Stephen A. Smith is a sports analyst fans love to argue about as he over the years has provided different takes on teams leaving their fans wondering whether Smith’s predictions will come true or not.
It was not different when he was asked about the Lakers taking on the Grizzlies in the first round. Stephen’s opinion shocked quite a few fans leaving them to rush into Twitter and share their mind-boggling reactions.
What is Stephen A. Smith’s prediction for Grizzlies vs Lakers NBA playoffs?
ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith has predicted the Memphis Grizzlies might end the Los Angeles Lakers playoff run in the first round. Speaking on ESPN’s First Take, Smith said, “The Lakers could end up home in the first round.”
He applauded the Lakers for what they have achieved this year and acknowledged that they have a chance, given the presence of LeBron James and Anthony Davis. However, he believes that the Grizzlies, led by Ja Morant, have the necessary firepower to cause an upset.
"The Lakers could end up home in the first round."
😳 @stephenasmith pic.twitter.com/sjAbEIQewC
— First Take (@FirstTake) April 10, 2023
Smith highlighted the Grizzlies’ strengths, including Morant’s exceptional talent and the team’s never-before-reached NBA Finals history. He also mentioned Desmond Bane, Dillon Brooks, and Jaren Jackson Jr. as key players who could give the Lakers a hard time.
How NBA fans reacted to Stephen A. Smith’s playoffs prediction?
Smith’s prediction has caused a mixed reaction among NBA fans. Some agree with his assessment, while others are not pleased with his flip-flopping on his opinions. One fan on Twitter trying to explain, Stephen A. Smith’s hot takes have gotten lukewarm lately expressing that the Lakers could lose in the first round is like saying “water is wet,” so the fan wrote:
water is wet
— J (@smith8982) April 10, 2023
Another fan tweeted, “And tomorrow they’ll be favorites to win it all.”
And tomorrow they’ll be favorites to win it all
— Parnell Edwards (@BMJOutSon) April 10, 2023
The Lakers are currently in the play-in tournament, and they are the favorites to clinch the seventh seed. However, they will face the short-handed Minnesota Timberwolves without Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels.
Despite their advantage, LeBron James is not taking their challenge lightly. He recognizes the threat that Minnesota poses, given their talented players such as Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards.
It remains to be seen if Smith’s prediction will come true, and fans will have to wait until the playoffs begin to find out.
“Lakers’ Playoffs Ascent: Overcoming Hurdles and Embracing New Additions”
The Lakers will be facing the Minnesota Timberwolves in the play-ins to secure their spot in the playoffs. The Timberwolves will be without key players such as Rudy Gobert, who is suspended due to an altercation with Kyle Anderson, and Jaden McDaniels, who broke his hand after punching a wall in frustration.
Despite the absence of these players, the Lakers will still need to bring their A-game to beat the Timberwolves. Additionally, the Lakers have strengthened their roster with the addition of Tristan Thompson and Shaq Harrison, who bring valuable experience and energy to the team.
If the Lakers do manage to win the play-ins, they will face the Memphis Grizzlies, led by the talented Ja Morant, in the playoffs. This will be another tough challenge for the Lakers, but they have the star power in the likes of LeBron James and Anthony Davis to compete at the highest level.
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Overall, the Lakers’ journey to the playoffs will be full of obstacles, but they have the potential to overcome them and make a deep run in the postseason. The absence of Gobert and McDaniels will certainly affect the Timberwolves, but the Lakers will need to remain focused and determined to seize the opportunity.
