(Photo by Allen Kee/Getty Images)
You never know what version of the Los Angeles Lakers you’re going to get.
They can either beat contending teams or drop the ball against weaker teams; it seems like there’s just no in-between.
They proved it again on Monday night when they took down the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder.
That’s why sports analyst Skip Bayless believes this team isn’t afraid of getting the No. 8 seed and having to face a top-seeded team in the playoffs.
Bayless stated that they’re not even afraid of the reigning NBA champions, the Denver Nuggets, even though they can’t seem to beat them.
“Heck, I don’t think the Lakers fear the Nuggets. They just can’t beat Denver in close games – but always play the Nuggets close,” Bayless said.
Tonight is why the Lakers are not afraid of winding up the 8 seed and “having to play” the 1 seed … if in fact the Thunder win the West. Heck, I don’t think the Lakers fear the Nuggets. They just can’t beat Denver in close games – but always play the Nuggets close.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) March 5, 2024
The Lakers could be a legitimate threat to upset the No. 1 or No. 2 seed in any seven-game series, especially considering the fact that they have two future Hall of Famers still going strong in LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
They could square up against either the Oklahoma City Thunder or Minnesota Timberwolves, which are two young teams.
Then again, from that to not being afraid of the Nuggets could be a bit of a reach.
The Nuggets have beaten them eight times in a row dating back to last season, including a four-game sweep in the Western Conference Finals.
Mike Malone has figured them out almost completely, and while his team has had to fight it’s way back multiple times, they always pull away late in the game.
Even so, this Lakers team is clearly much better than their current record.
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