Stephen A. Smith Drops Bold Claim About Lakers Playoff Future

The Los Angeles Lakers beat the Memphis Grizzlies in the first game of the series and experts made interesting prediction about their playoff future.

Ja Morant sustained an injury in the game, giving the Lakers a big advantage. According to Stephen A. Smith, the Lakers have a chance to beat the Grizzlies.

“The bottom line is, I thought that Memphis had a chance to probably win this series in seven games,” Smith said. “It was going to take Ja Morant being the star to pull it off, but I believe he’s the kind of star that could have done it. They have no chance, as far as I’m concerned now. With Steven Adams out. With a Brandon Clarke out. And then the loose Ja Morant, that is just entirely too much to overcome.”

.@stephenasmith says the Lakers-Grizzlies series is OVER after Ja Morant's injury:

"This series is over. As far as I'm concerned, the Lakers are winning this series. I think it's done." pic.twitter.com/Wvq7emsije

— First Take (@FirstTake) April 17, 2023

Grizzlies play big role in Lakers playoff future

Memphis may be without their valuable player in the second game of the series. Adrian Wojnarowski from ESPN reported that the Grizzlies star will probably miss out the game.

“So listen, first of all, let’s start with this: Memphis is going to do everything they can,” Wojnarowski said. “They’ll hold this close to the vest between now and Wednesday night. It’s a competitive advantage in the playoffs to not let your opponent know who may or may not be playing. But I think certainly for Ja Morant, he talked about it yesterday, how much pain he was in leaving the game. It was a hand that already was wrapped, and then [he] re-injures it.”

.@wojespn says there's "significant doubt" Ja Morant will be available for Game 2: pic.twitter.com/gWtDPgpOyJ

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) April 17, 2023

Lakers head coach Darvin Ham doesn’t have to worry about any injured players because his roster is 100% healthy. The Grizzlies, on the other hand, will play without three key players. Ham and his players should take advantage of the situation and beat their opponents.

The Lakers made big changes ahead of the trade deadline in February. Rob Pelinka made some much needed changes and the result is here. LA made the playoffs and can easily move up the Western Conference. Will the Lakers make the NBA Finals this season?