The Los Angeles Lakers secured a thrilling 127-125 overtime win against the Denver Nuggets on Saturday night, but the victory didn’t impress NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal. O’Neal voiced skepticism about the Lakers’ championship aspirations, focusing on a specific play during the game’s closing moments.

Controversial Finish Raises Concerns

With the game tied and under two seconds remaining in regulation, Lakers guard Austin Reaves intentionally missed a free throw, secured the rebound, and scored to force overtime. While the play resulted in a win, O’Neal believes it exposed a fundamental flaw in the team’s ability to compete at the highest level.

“If you have to rely on that you’re not going to win and not being a contender,”

Shaquille O’Neal, ESPN post-game analysis

O’Neal argued that a true championship team should be capable of securing more dominant victories, suggesting the Lakers should have won by a margin of 15 points while playing at home.

Grinding Out Wins in a Competitive League

The Lakers have recently achieved a five-game winning streak and have won the regular season series against the Nuggets 2-1. However, O’Neal’s criticism highlights the difference between simply winning and demonstrating the consistent dominance required for a championship run. He acknowledged the NBA’s competitive nature but maintained that relying on unconventional plays indicates a lack of overall strength.

O’Neal’s Expectations

O’Neal also stated that he expected the Lakers to win by a larger margin, reflecting his high standards for a team with championship ambitions. He implied that a close, hard-fought victory, particularly one reliant on a unique play like Reaves’ free throw, is not indicative of a team prepared for the playoffs.

Lakers Focused on Results

Despite O’Neal’s critique, Reaves and the Lakers appear focused on securing wins regardless of how they are achieved. The team will likely prioritize continued success as they navigate the remainder of the season.

FAQ

What did Shaquille O’Neal criticize about the Lakers’ win?

Shaquille O’Neal criticized the Lakers for relying on an unconventional play – Austin Reaves intentionally missing a free throw – to force overtime, suggesting it showed they weren’t strong enough contenders.

What was O’Neal’s expectation for the Lakers’ performance?

O’Neal believed the Lakers should have won by a margin of 15 points while playing at home, indicating his expectation of a more dominant performance.

Did the Lakers win the series against the Nuggets?

Yes, the Lakers won the regular season series against the Nuggets 2-1.