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3 reasons why the Los Angeles Lakers can win Game 6 vs Phoenix

By Kevin Germany

Jun 1, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts as he walks between celebrating Phoenix Suns players in the first half during game five in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 1, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts as he walks between celebrating Phoenix Suns players in the first half during game five in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

The Los Angeles Lakers have not suffered a playoff humiliation this bad since 2011 when the Lakers lost by 36 points to the Dallas Mavericks.

Shortly after the game, then-Lakers coach Phil Jackson announced his retirement by quoting former US President Richard Nixon in his final postgame press conference. Jackson uttered one of Nixon’s most infamous lines as he expressed his frustration with the NBA front office and the sports media at large.

"“They won’t have me to kick around anymore.”"

Of course, President Nixon uttered that infamous line in the press conference after he lost his California gubernatorial bid in 1962, presumably announcing his retirement from politics. Nixon went on to come out of political exile and was elected President of the United States in 1968.

Jackson, on the other hand, went on to run the New York Knicks from 2014 to 2017 but has otherwise not coached in the NBA since that loss to Dallas.

This season’s Lakers have nothing to do with President Nixon or Phil Jackson. However, they can learn from the 2011 Lakers that accepting defeat prematurely is unacceptable.

So what does this have to do with today’s Los Angeles Lakers?

This season’s Lakers are in the same crossroads as the Lakers were in 2011. The late, great Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol were starring on a team quickly running out of firepower against an experienced Dallas Mavericks squad with impeccable team chemistry.

The 2011 Lakers lost two close games at home to Dallas then lost decisively in Games 3 and 4. If this sounds familiar, then that is exactly what is supposed to happen against the Phoenix Suns in Game 6 at the Staples Center.

If the Lakers accept this as a fait accompli, then explaining why the Lakers can still win is a waste of time. I do not think the Lakers are already booking their flights to Cancun. If I am wrong, then we will know once Game 6 begins.

Assuming the Lakers want to compete at a playoff level, here are three reasons why the Lakers are not done yet – and a few adjustments the Lakers can make to win Games 6 and 7.

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