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Dwight Howard Shares Bold Take on Lakers’ Playoff Fate
Apr 7, 2022; San Francisco, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard (39) during the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers have high hopes for their playoff run this season. They have two of the best players in the NBA in Luka Doncic and LeBron James, as well as perhaps the best third option in the league in Austin Reaves.

They are hoping that they can outscore teams as opposed to relying on their defense to get wins in the playoffs. Doncic is a horrendous defender, but one of the best scorers in the entire league.

Their run to the NBA Finals starts with a first-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. That's not an easy first team to play in the postseason.

One former Lakers player has a bold take on how the team will do in the playoffs. Former Lakers center Dwight Howard has very high hopes for this team.

Howard believes that the Lakers will win it all this year. He believes they are the best team in the league with the roster they have assembled.

“The Lakers scare me because if LeBron is healthy in the playoffs, it’s going to be tough for teams to beat them in a seven-game series,” Howard told Basketball Insiders. “My mind is saying the Lakers are going to win this year. I see the Lakers against Cleveland.”

The Cavaliers have been the best team in the Eastern Conference for most of the season, so it makes sense why Howard would have them coming out of the East.

Los Angeles has a lot of tough teams to face in the West. Even with a healthy James, there are six other teams who are legitimate candidates to win the West.

More Lakers news: Former Lakers Star Makes Wild Luka Doncic, Kobe Bryant Comparison

The Lakers are one of the best teams in the league when they are healthy and hitting their threes. Outscoring teams is going to be the focus of the team in the postseason.

Howard clearly believes that the Lakers will be able to do that, no matter who they face on their road to the Finals. The concern would be their defense.

If the Lakers beat the Timberwolves in the first round, they will take on the winner of the Rockets and whoever they end up facing.

More Los Angeles Lakers news: JJ Redick Reveals Lakers Will Use New Strategy Against Timberwolves

Jarred Vanderbilt Reacts to Lakers Facing Timberwolves in Playoffs

For more news and notes on the Los Angeles Lakers, visit Los Angeles Lakers on SI.


This article first appeared on FanNation All Lakers and was syndicated with permission.

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