The Lakers had a good run to the Conference Finals last season despite losing to Nikola Jokic’s Denver Nuggets. The Lakers’ history would make one easily pick them for NBA championship contenders in the next season, despite last winning the competition in 2020.
The Los Angeles Lakers are within striking distance of contending for the NBA championship, according to Reggie Miller, an Indiana Pacers legend and Hall of Famer. Reggie’s predictions were somewhat controversial, given the Lakers are eyeing to start the new season on a high note.
Reggie Miller places Lakers in middle of the pack
LeBron James is making it to his 21st season in the NBA yet his Lakers team, according to basketball legend Reggie Miller, is still a level behind the competition favorites Denver Nuggets, Phoenix Suns, and Sacramento Kings. The legend made bold predictions of the Lakers finishing even below the Oklahoma City Thunder, despite LeBron stirring up great expectations for the new season.
The Western Conference as predicted by the legend, had 2 tiers and who to watch list. The 1st Tier had the Denver Nuggets topping, the Suns, Kings, and Thunder. The 2nd Tier had Pelicans topping, Grizzlies, Clippers, Lakers and the Warriors. The “who to watch” list had both the Mavericks and Rockets.
The Lakers’ despite a loss in the Conference Finals last season had a great campaign after a slow start. The team during the preseason, despite a recent loss to the Warriors, has shown great energy for the new season. The legend may have revealed his predictions, which has sparked many interesting reactions, but it sure doesn’t make a fact.
LeBron ready to roll with Lakers again
LeBron James will be entering his 21st season in the league and will fight to secure the Lakers’ 18th Championship in their history. The legend revealed during an interview with SportsNet that his mind is fully set for the season. He said, “I think it all starts with the mind, obviously.”
The legend also talked about his body as he appears to be muscular as ever, capable of bullying his way to the basket or throwing down a reverse jam. In his statement, he made it clear that his preparation for the new season which could earn him his fifth NBA Championship, doesn’t start with the body.
LeBron said, “You know, the mind controls everything. I think being able to keep my mind fresh, so just…allow my body to follow after that.”
The legend added being able to recover from a foot injury that sidelined him for 13 consecutive games which hindered the Laker’s last outing in the league. If LeBron James can stay fit and healthy during this 2023/24 season, Reggie Miller’s predictions could be proved wrong by LeBron and the Lakers soon.
