The Los Angeles Lakers currently sit in 9th place in the Western Conference standings. For the moment, the Californians will dispute the Play-In. But the Angelenos remain under threat from the New Orleans Pelicans, 10th, and the San Antonio Spurs, 11th. Logically, Shaquille O’Neal is disappointed with the season achieved by his ex-team.
With the recruitment done, the TNT consultant expected better. And now, the former pivot does not even know if the Lakers will manage to stay in the Top 10 of the ranking in the West.
“I’m disappointed in my Lakers. A lot of people are. We’ve all forgotten their age. ‘Ooh, Westbrook is coming. Ooh, they’ve got Carmelo.’ We are used to having teams with big name stars.
So you have a team with three Hall of Famers, you would think they would be in the top six or seven. AD does not play, so I even have a doubt for the Play-In”, estimated Shaquille O’Neal.
And indeed, there is a real risk for the Lakers to fail even in the race for the Play-In. On the other hand, to everyone’s surprise, Shaq made a very daring prediction in the event of a qualification of Los Angeles in the Playoffs.
“If they manage to make the Play-In, they absolutely have to win in order to face Phoenix in the first round. If they get to 8th place, they will beat Phoenix. Yes, you heard me. Because AD will be back in. Shaqtradamus will be right.
Why is this a disrespect to Phoenix? Because they are in the first place? OK, well done. Everyone here applauds. Phoenix is in first place. Congratulations, they have the first place,” he quipped.
With the completely opposite dynamics of the two formations, this is a big bet. But with the recent declarations ofAnthony Davis and of Devin Bookera remake of this series from last year’s first round would be very interesting to follow…
At almost 50, Shaquille O’Neal is still freaking out the gorillas
