Key Takeaways:
– Shannon Sharpe of ESPN’s “First Take” predicts a Lakers dominant run against the Thunder in a potential playoff series.
– D’Angelo Russell and Reaves performance raise hopes for the Lakers after a 116-104 win.
– The Lakers have won their last three face-offs and seven of their last nine meetings against the Thunder.
– If the Lakers grab the No. 7 seed, they could face the Thunder in the first round.
– Gabe Vincent is ramping up his return to the Lakers roster ahead of the playoffs.
In what could be a much-anticipated playoff scenario, ESPN’s “First Take” analyst Shannon Sharpe has shared his prediction for a potential face-off between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Sharpe believes the Lakers-OKC playoff meeting will be a one-sided affair, with the Lakers possibly sealing it in four games.
Sharpe’s Bold Prediction
In his commentary during the March 5 episode of “First Take,” Sharpe cited the Lakers’ shooting prowess, particularly from their key players D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves. He argued that the series wouldn’t even stretch to seven games, hinting at a decisive 4-2 win for the Lakers.
Arguing on Sharpe’s fixation on the series’ potential length, JJ Redick questioned whether the number of games mattered. To which, Stephen A. Smith retorted that it indeed does because getting swept isn’t good.
Lakers’ Recent Victories Boost Morale
Sharpe delivered his confident prediction following the Lakers’ impressive 116-104 win over the Thunder, who were playing on the second night of a back-to-back schedule at Crypto.com Arena on March 4.
The Lakers have been demonstrating superior form against the Thunder this season, overcoming a 12-point first-quarter Thunder lead and leading by 25 at one point. They have claimed victories in their last three head-to-head encounters and seven of their last nine meetings.
The Lakers’ Dominant Players
Following a disappointing performance in a 124-114 loss to the Denver Nuggets, D’Angelo Russell responded with 26 points to lead the team to victory. His flurry of 3-pointers was instrumental in quashing any hopes the Thunder harbored for a comeback. Russell is now averaging 17.8 points per game on a career-high 41.6% 3-point shooting.
On the other hand, the Lakers’ top free agent signing, Gabe Vincent, is stepping up his game as he prepares to return to the court ahead of the playoffs.
Lakers-Thunder Playoff Potential
If the Lakers manage to come out as the top team in the play-in tournament and grab the no. 7 seed, a first-round meeting with the Oklahoma City Thunder becomes highly probable. On the contrary, the Thunder, who haven’t won a playoff series since the 2015-16 season, will be looking to challenge this prediction.
In Conclusion
While Sharpe’s bold assertion is yet another addition to sports experts’ predictions ahead of the playoffs, only time will tell whether his confidence in a Lakers’ sweep over the Thunder in a potential series comes to fruition. Until then, the playoffs promise a spirited contest.
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