Last season, the Los Angeles Lakers shocked the NBA world by advancing from a play-in tournament team to the Western Conference Finals. They haven't been as good this season, but one former All-Star believes they can still get back on track.
Gilbert Arenas spoke with Shannon Sharpe. nightcap podcast On the possibility of the Lakers repeating their trip to the Western Conference Finals. Surprisingly, Arenas believes it's possible.
“They are,” Arenas said of the Lakers' ability to reach the Western Conference Finals. “It's all about LeBron. It's not the next gear for the Lakers, it's the next gear for LeBron. Everything is at this point right now. What are we, the 10th seed?”
As for the play-in tournament itself, the former Grizzlies guard believes the Lakers can easily defeat the Golden State Warriors. After that, he believes the Lakers can beat either the Mavericks or the Suns.
We're going to play a game during the season, like Golden State, and we're going to beat them. We're just going to hit the glass and AD and LeBron are going to attack the rim because they don't know how to protect the rim at this point. They're not going to shoot free throws. Then we're going to play between Dallas and Phoenix. ”
Even if the Lakers make it through the play-in tournament, they will face either the Denver Nuggets, Oklahoma City Thunder or Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round. They have a chance against a team like the Thunder, but the same cannot be said for the Nuggets.
Related article
Lakers players slam Dillon Brooks for LeBron James' joke
Major developments revealed in criminal charges against Ja Morant's friend
Boston Celtics star gets honest about his relationship with Marcus Smart
