Even though most people counted them out just a few months ago, the Los Angeles Lakers are now on the verge of making the NBA playoffs.
They have to get through this week’s play-in games, of course, but they could be entering the first round as the seventh or eighth seed next weekend.
According to Stephen A. Smith, their chances in the opening round aren’t great.
Speaking on “First Take”, Smith said that the Lakers “could end up home in the first round.”
Smith praised the Memphis Grizzlies and how their lead star Ja Morant has been “on a mission” since resolving his off-court troubles a few weeks ago.
He also said other players like Desmond Bane, Dillon Brooks, and especially Jaren Jackson Jr. could be serious trouble for the Lakers.
"The Lakers could end up home in the first round."
😳 @stephenasmith pic.twitter.com/sjAbEIQewC
— First Take (@FirstTake) April 10, 2023
The Lakers haven’t even pushed through the play-in tournament and fans are already worried about the challenges the Grizzlies could bring.
They are the second-best team in the Western Conference and have been very consistent and strong for a couple of seasons now.
They are a scrappy team that is willing to take on any opponent and they are eager to finally reach the NBA Finals.
But the Lakers have plenty of experience as well as a healthy LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and others, and also hold the best record in the West since the trade deadline.
If they wish to take down the young upstarts playing for Memphis, they will need to play even better than they have been lately.
Many people didn’t expect they’d get to this point but the Lakers don’t want to come so far only to fall short.
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