From 2-10 to the playoffs, the Los Angeles Lakers wrote the script of their inspiring rise. Since February, the Purple and Gold have played with a different intensity. And that was on full show tonight as they came back to defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves in the play-in tournament. Laker Nation went wild as the 17-time champions booked a ticket for the postseason. And along with them came some regular, and some surprising personalities.

The likes of Kyle Kuzma, long-time LeBron James supporter Shannon Sharpe, and even Skip Bayless couldn’t contain themselves after the dramatic finish to the game.

LeBron James and the Lakers are back in the playoffs

The Crypto.com arena was loud the entire night. A fight for the seventh seed went right down to the wire in what was an overtime thriller. The Wolves had their hold on the Lakers for almost the entire night, all but the dreading fourth quarter and OT. After going down by 11 at the half, the 2020 champions showed their resolve and perseverance.

The battle had it all, the dramatics and the goosebumps. The Lakers fought back to tie the game, and in the dying moments of regulation, LeBron James found a way. Collapsing the Timberwolves’ defense, Dennis Schroder’s dagger three seemed to be the shot that took the Lakers to the playoffs. But keeping the theatrics alive, Anthony Davis fouled Mike Conley which would eventually lead to overtime.

Trending

Bronny in Deep Waters as $800,000 Suffering Forces LeBron James’ Son to End College Career With Major Declining Numbers

April 27, 2024 01:45 PM EDT

Lakers Advised To Terminate LeBron James’ $99 Million Contract, a Move That Could Save His Legacy

April 28, 2024 06:14 AM EDT

“It Will Ruin the Game”: Citing Caitlin Clark’s Example, Geno Auriemma Warns WNBA

April 27, 2024 03:31 PM EDT

Bryce James’ Nike Title Quest Gets Mom Savannah Fired Up After Dominant 1st Outing

April 28, 2024 02:01 AM EDT

Draymond Green ‘Disappointed’ In Anthony Davis For Throwing Darvin Ham Under The Bus On Live TV

April 27, 2024 02:44 AM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Despite the silly error, it was once again the Laker’s defense that propelled the win as Minnesota found it tough to score when it mattered most. In the fourth quarter and overtime, they made just 5 of their 22 field goals. While the Laker offense had its struggles, they got to the free throw line to stay alive in the game.

At the heart of the Lakers’ win was King James. Orchestrating the emphatic counter-attack, the four-time MVP erupted for 30 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists. Anthony Davis held down both ends of the floor with a monster 24 points and 15 rebounds double-double. However, the biggest difference between the two sides was the bench units. The Lakers doubled Minnesota’s bench tally of 20 points led by none other than Schroder.

Following “Brain Fart”, Lakers Star Anthony Davis Attempts To Clear Out His Name As LeBron James and Co Silence The Timberwolves In Dramatic OT

The Timberwolves missed their defensive anchor in Rudy Gobert as Conley and Karl Anthony Towns‘ efforts went in vain.

Shannon Sharpe and others join fans in wild celebrations

The fireworks that the fans burst through after the Lakers captured the seventh seed. Spectating the contest, former Laker Kyle Kuzma represented all the Lakers fans as he tweeted, “This is a nasty a** game”. 

No Lakers win is complete without a little dose of NFL legend Shannon Sharpe. The three-time Super Bowl champion commended King James for playing 45 minutes in the overtime thriller. He wrote, “Bron is on fumes. Oldest guy on the court and it isn’t close and he’s played the most mins tonite” 

Former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins felt the playoff intensity as he congratulated the Lakers in his signature style, “This was PLAYOFF Basketball tonight… and the Lakers showed CHAMPIONSHIP defense!!! Carry the hell on…” 

The biggest surprise of all was the prediction of Skip Bayless. A man who has long criticized LeBron James feels the Lakers can get the better of their playoff opponents, the 2 seeded Memphis Grizzlies. He tweeted, “LAKERS IN 6 OVER MEMPHIS.” 

Here is what the Laker Nation had to say after their team’s success:

Watch this story: LeBron James leaves 60 million worth businessman and thousands of fans speechless

Now it is on to the playoffs for LeBron James and Co. The resilient and desperate Memphis Grizzlies stand in their path. A first-round matchup worthy of having fans on the edge of their seats, do you think the Purple and Gold will pull it off? Let us know your views in the comments below.