The Los Angeles Lakers took down the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday and earned their spot in this week’s Play-In Tournament.
But now the real challenges for the team begin.
If they are able to defeat the Pelicans one more time on Tuesday, they will officially be the seventh seed in the Western Conference.
That would be quite the accomplishment, especially in such a tough conference, but it would also set them up to take on the Denver Nuggets in the opening round of the playoffs.
That idea strikes fear into the hearts of many Lakers fans but Keyshawn Johnson is embracing the possibility.
“If we get past the Nuggets, you can cash our check that we’re going to the Finals,” he said on Monday’s “Undisputed.”
.@keyshawn wants the Lakers to matchup vs Nuggets First Round:
“If we get past the Nuggets, you can cash our check that we’re going to the Finals.” pic.twitter.com/Dn19STUlOR
— UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) April 15, 2024
The Lakers haven’t beaten the Nuggets one time this season.
And as everyone remembers, Los Angeles was swept by Denver in the Western Conference Finals last year too.
They don’t have very good luck against the Nuggets and there are many LA fans fearful of another sweep in the postseason this year.
Some followers of the team even suggested that the Lakers throw Tuesday’s game against the Pelicans and instead angle to get the eighth seed so they can face the Oklahoma City Thunder instead.
Johnson said that’s silly and unnecessary.
The Lakers are much stronger and healthier than they were last year when they got swept and they have a better chance of winning this time.
Johnson thinks they need to take the Nuggets on head-on and not run away from the fight.
Their track record against the Nuggets might not be good but the Lakers will definitely attempt to change that next week.
But before they can get that far, they have to battle through the Play-In Tournament.
NEXT:
Skip Bayless Reacts To Lakers’ Win Over Pelicans