With the approach of the playoffs, it is very difficult to analyze the chances of the Lakers. They’re not level in the regular season, but betting against LeBron James is never a good idea. Stephen A. Smith has unveiled his expectations, and he’s not thrilled.
At the start of the season, the Lakers were seen by many observers as the big favorites to leave the Western Conference. It must be said that on paper, and only on paper obviously, the association LeBron James / Anthony Davis / Russell Westbrook was enticing. The interior had to take the reins, the leader had to take care of the organization, and the King had to perfect the proposed game with his talent.
Unfortunately when starting the final sprint towards the playoffs, Frank Vogel’s men are in a rather precarious situation. Indeed, they are only in 9th place in the standings, and they seem condemned to play the play-in in a few weeks, this qualifying tournament during which everything is possible. It would be a surprise, but the Purple and Gold might not qualify.
Stephen A. Smith does not see the Lakers passing the 1st round
But in the eyes of some, hope is still allowed in Los Angeles, especially if the injuries accumulate in the other franchises, and in particular in Phoenix and Golden State where Chris Paul and Draymond Green could miss the start of hostilities. But for Stephen A. Smith there should be no illusions, the Purple and Gold do not have the talent or the cohesion to exceed a first round in the event of qualification.
I don’t see the Lakers beating the Warriors on a streak. I don’t see the Lakers beating the Suns either, or the Grizzlies, or Utah. Seriously they would even struggle to beat the Mavericks! For me the most they can do is a first lap exit. They can already consider themselves happy if they leave the play-in.
According to Stephen A. Smith, the mass would be said for the Lakers. With twenty games to play and the most difficult schedule in the league, LeBron James and his teammates will probably not be able to grab places in the standings to afford an “easy” first round. They will have to face the Suns, the Warriors or the Grizzlies, who an expert sees going to the Finals.
And on what they show since the start of the season, we must recognize that the signals are not necessarily positive. Russell Westbrook is just a shadow of himself, Anthony Davis is still too often affected by injuries, and LeBron James, at 37, no longer seems able to carry a failing workforce on his back. But beware of the pride of the champion.
For Stephen A. Smith, nothing should be expected from the Lakers in the playoffs, they are not good enough collectively to claim the title. If the results prove him right, beware all the same of the awakening of these legends in the big moments.
