Get Ready for the Lakers' Redemption: Shaq's Bold Playoff Predictions and Magic Johnson's Blunt Analysis

The #2 seeded Denver Nuggets started their first-round series with a remarkable 114:103 win against the Los Angeles Lakers. After cutting the deficit to three points by the end of the first half, the defending champions registered a decisive 32-18 quarter to build an 11-point lead. 2023 Finals MVP Nikola Jokic stacked up 32 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists to lead his team’s charge against LeBron James and Co.

However, Shaquille O’Neal is still hopeful of the Purple and Gold’s chances in the series. While Lakers’ two-way maestro Anthony Davis had an incredible 32 points, 14 rebounds, and 5 assists, the Nuggets’ depth proved too much for the Lakeshow. Despite a disappointing showing by Lakers’ role players, Shaquille O’Neal believes that Lakers’ Game 1 loss is a mirage.

Shaq's Playoff Predictions: A Bold Choice for the Lakers

Sharing his picks on ‘NBA on TNT’, O’Neal predicted the winner from each first-round series.

Despite his former team’s Game 1 loss, he still had the Lakers beating the Nuggets in the first-round series. He also picked the Timberwolves to win against the Suns in the first-round battle and meet the Lakers in the WCSF. In the other brackets, he had the Dallas Mavericks clashing with the Oklahoma City Thunder in the WCSF. Shaq forecasted that both the Clippers and the New Orleans Pelicans would fall short.

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