The Los Angeles Lakers and the New Orleans Pelicans are about to fight a nerve-wracking battle, to get a playoff spot in one of the most competitive Western Conferences we have seen in NBA history. While the 7th seed is on the line, this is also a time for a few stars from both sides to prove their worth. Shaquille O’Neal believes this play-in tournament is a test for a few superstars, and he is expecting the most, from a 23-year-old Pelicans forward. 

Anthony Davis, LeBron James, etc. have proved what they are capable of in do-or-die games like the play-in. So Shaq does not want to include them in this test. All his eyes are on Zion Williamson, who has had a terrific season so far. Shaq said on Inside the NBA, “Because they[Pelicans] didn’t get it done, I’m only focusing on one thing tonight. And it’s Zion Williamson“.

The Big Diesel explained, “This is the 187th game, only one time he has hit 40 points. My question is, ‘Can you turn it up?’. Can you turn it up for the city, can you turn it up for yourself, can you ensure I’m going to go out there and be dominant, so my team wins? I know what AD can do…I know what LeBron has done. I’m not sure if Zion Williamson can do that…When you’re titled as a great player, moments like this you have to say, ‘follow me guys’.”

Shaq believes this a time for Williamson to make a name for himself. Let’s wait and see if he can do it! 

Shaq has tested Williamson on many stages. The last time was during the In-Season tournament when the Pelicans lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves. However, there is a reason why Shaq is expecting a lot from Williamson, especially in the play-in. 

Zion Williamson’s controversial absence in the 2023 play-in tournament

The 23-year-old forward suffered a hamstring injury during the 2022-23 season. He was not available until the last game of the regular season. However, Williamson was cleared to play right before the play-in. Anyhow, he opted to stay out as he was not sure about his game mentally. He revealed he wasn’t feeling himself. Williamson told the media, “I don’t want to go out there and be in my own head and affect the team when I can just be on the sideline supporting them more, because I know myself.”

This created a lot of controversy, and the Pelicans star was subjected to criticism. Sadly, the Pelicans, who were the 10th seed, lost a do-or-die game to the Oklahoma City Thunder, 123-118, thus getting eliminated. The entire blame was shifted towards Williamson. However, Williamson has stayed healthy all season this year. Now that the Pelicans are in play-in once again, Shaq wants the young superstar to prove his haters wrong. 

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