The Los Angeles Lakers are in desperate need of a turnaround and fast. If things don’t improve soon, they could be on the brink of elimination from the 2024 playoffs. The Lakers currently find themselves trailing by 2-0 in their first-round series after Jokic & Co. made an epic 20-point comeback on Monday. Several fans have pointed fingers at HC Darvin Ham for the Lakers’ current predicament. However, Laker icon Shaquille O’Neal believes the blame lies elsewhere.

In a segment of TNT’s Inside Guys, fellow analyst Kenny Smith suggested that the Los Angeles Lakers couldn’t deal with Nikola Jokic in the first two opening games of the series. However, Shaquille O’Neal had a different take on LA’s struggles. He said, “In both the games, the Lakers had double-digit lead. So their only problem is a lack of focus. If you’re up 30 and lose the lead, it is a lack of focus. Both games, they were big, and they let it go.”

Shaquille O’Neal might be onto something. The Lakers led both games going into halftime. However, the Denver Nuggets managed to make a comeback. Their loss in game two would be particularly devastating because, at one point in the 3rd quarter, the Lakers led by 20 points. The Nuggets managed to outscore LA by 17 points, post the halftime break.

One of the main reasons for the Lakers’ struggles in closing out games is Anthony Davis’ lack of influence down the stretch. AD recorded 32 points and 11 rebounds in Game 2 of the series. However, in the last nine minutes of the game, AD scored zero points and attempted just one shot from the field. With the series threatening to get out of hand, the Lakers would need a Shaquille O’Neal-like performance from Anthony Davis. Yet, can the Lakers draw level?

Could the Los Angeles Lakers draw level after Shaquille O’Neal’s suggestions?

The Denver Nuggets have gained a foothold in their first-round matchup against the Lakers. Their Game 2 loss, in particular, would be disheartening for Lakers Nation, as they led by 15 points at halftime. However, the Lakers now welcome the Nuggets to the Crypto.com Arena for the next two games of the series. They must take full advantage of the raucous home support. Buoyed by home support, the Lakers possess the best home record in the Western Conference, winning 28 out of the 42 games they have played at the Crypto.com Arena.

Apart from banking on the home support, the Laker nation can also take solace from the fact that both LeBron James and Anthony Davis have performed exceptionally well. LeBron has averaged 26.5 points, 10.0 assists, and 7.0 rebounds in two games, showcasing his brilliance on the team. Meanwhile, Davis needs to step up his game in the final minutes for the team to level the series and give LeBron a chance to claim his 5th title. 

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However, the Lakers have struggled to contain the dual threat of Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray. Jokic has outperformed Davis in their matchups, averaging 29.5 points, 16.0 rebounds, and 8.5 assists. If the Lakers want to get the better of the Nuggets, they would have to solve the Nikola Jokić conundrum. However, it’s easier said than done.