Lakers have produced many legends all over the years, like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, and so on. Another Hall of Famer who has played most of his career for the Lakers is the great “Shaq,” a.k.a, Shaquille O’Neal. Shaq played most of his Lakers career alongside the late Kobe Bryant. Their friendship cum rivalry is very famous in the NBA universe. He also had a long career like LeBron James and KAJ, as he played for 19 years. After playing for so long, he has not gone away from the cameras. As an NBA analyst, he keeps entertaining all and supporting the Lakers from the core of his heart.
Recently, Shaq made an interesting announcement that has to do with the possibility of the Lakers qualifying for the playoffs. It happened during the match between the Los Angeles side and the Grizzlies. Dillon Brooks of the Grizzlies was wearing an outfit based on a very familiar face in the WWE Universe. It was none other than “Stone Cold” Steve Austin’s outfit.
At this, Shaq claimed that if the Los Angeles Lakers fails to qualify for the playoffs, then he would wear that outfit on the final show. Brooks managed to look pretty good in that outfit, but there is no certainty that Shaq would not look better wearing that. All said and done, the Lakers Legend will pray that he does not have to wear that. And the Lakers make it to the playoffs.
Will Lakers Be Able To Clear Playoffs?
However, the way things stand, there is a good possibility that the Lakers might make the play-in tournament, but direct qualification to the playoff still looks far. Even qualifying for the play-in won’t seem very easy as the LA franchise is having new problems. Constant updates of new injuries to essential players in the roster are hampering the plans for the remaining 19 games.
Both the star of the team and the young recruit are out with injuries. LeBron James sustained a terrible foot injury, and Russell sprained his ankle. Now the responsibility falls to Anthony Davis, who did not play the last game against the Thunder. Albeit, Rob Pelinka’s side won and climbed up a place in the table. The Lakers are currently 30-33. But they need to carry on the momentum and build a streak.
However, the problem with the Lakers is that they are not having a long winning streak to confirm their place in the postseason. Before the match against the Grizzlies, they were enjoying a three-match winning streak. But could not hold on to it in Memphis. Compared to the remaining schedules of other teams, the LA franchise has an easy route to take from here.
The only two teams that can give tough competition to the Lakers are the defending champions, The Golden State Warriors, and also the Dallas Mavericks. In the case of the Mavericks, the team lacks consistency. That same thing goes for Darvin Ham’s side. All the team needs to do from here is to utilize these opportunities that they have.
