The Los Angeles Lakers are finishing the regular season on a high. They have won their last five games and are in the driving seat to clinch a Western Conference play-in spot. With less than 10 regular season games remaining, the Lakers must finish their season on a high in order to get a favorable first round draw. Many feel that the Lakers don’t have a legitimate shot at winning the title. However, Lakers’ icon Shaquille O’Neal remains confident in LeBron James and Anthony Davis’s ability to lead the team to an NBA title.

During the latest episode of the Big Podcast with Shaq, Shaq suggested that the Lakers’ hierarchy should consider breaking up the current roster. However, he also stated that they should keep hold of Anthony Davis and LeBron James. But Jamal Crawford, a guest on the show, disagreed. He said, “They don’t have enough to even compete right now. My thing is if LeBron is still your best player at this point, I’m looking at trading Anthony Davis.” Jamal Crawford’s hot take even surprised Shaq, who expressed his opinion by saying, “I’m not trading AD.” Shaquille O’Neal further elaborated, “You definitely need a one-two punch. I know when I challenge AD, he don’t say nothing, he steps up. He’s a dog.” 

While the Lakers have struggled to impose themselves for the last couple of seasons, Anthony Davis has continued to perform at an All-Star level. In fact, he has averaged 24.7 points, 12.6 rebounds (third highest in the 2023-24 season) and 3.6 assists per game. AD has stepped up admirably to lead the Lakers in LeBron’s absence, and their aspirations for an NBA championship undoubtedly hinge on his continued stellar form and performances.

Will the Lakers prove their doubters wrong?

The 2023-24 NBA season has been full of surprises and unexpected narratives. However, following their stellar 2023 playoff run to the Western Conference finals, no one expected the Lakers to languish at the 9th spot in the Western Conference standings with less than 10 regular season games remaining. Nevertheless, they have got their act together in recent weeks and have shown improved performances.

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The Lakers aim to finish the regular season on a high, and winning five games on the bounce will go a long way in achieving that goal. With one of the easiest set of fixtures remaining, the Lakers are poised to finish the season on a positive note. However, their championship ambitions will greatly depend on their first-round draw. But regardless of their opponents, the Lakers would present a formidable challenge in the postseason. What are your thoughts? Can the Lakers be the surprise package of the 2024 playoffs? Let us know in the comments below!