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Former NBA Champion Believes Bucks Will Upset Nets to Meet Lakers in 2022 NBA Finals
We’re leaping into the 2021-22 NBA season and the hype is getting bigger this year. The trade summer was quite a busy one that has resulted in bigwig star teams including the veteran pack of Los Angeles Lakers, the talented Chicago Bulls starters, and others. The likes of Brooklyn’s Big 3 and defending champions, Giannis-led Bucks, are also seen as a major threat on the move.
Last season, the Milwaukee Bucks reigned as the 2021 NBA champions after defeating Phoenix Suns in the Finals. Many banner teams like Lakers, Nets, and Warriors saw injuries hit their most essential players. While the competition was high in both conferences, benched All-stars led to surprising eliminations from postseason and Play-ins.
The 2021-22 season is a tough league to be in
It’s a fresh beginning for the league with the new season setting in. Competition has found a new peak as forces like LeBron James, Klay Thompson, and Kyrie Irving, are expected to come back stronger.
Like any other year, the west is packed. A star-studded Lakers, Thompson-inclusive Warriors, a contending Jazz team, and a talented former finalist – Suns. However, this year, the east is also showing signs of a tough and bustling season ahead. The Sixers are a potential playoff threat and the Nets are a fierce roster on paper.
Jun 25, 2021; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) puts up a shot against Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez (11) in the third quarter during game two of the Eastern Conference Finals for the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports
Additionally, Knicks and Hawks came out as underdogs last postseason and they’ll be looking to proceed deeper this year. The Chicago Bulls have acquired a beautiful combination of starters to hold a place in the league. All-stars Lonzo Ball, Zach Lavine, and DeMar DeRozan seem to be a lethal combination.
Los Angeles Lakers vs Milwaukee Bucks: A potential 2022 NBA final
Amongst the chaos, former NBA player John Sally has made his predictions for the 2022 NBA Finals. He has set the stage before the party has begun. The 4-time NBA champion has called out shots at Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks for a potential finale matchup. He told in an interview – “The Los Angeles Lakers are going to win in 5 games.”
LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and recently acquired Russell Westbrook will be leading the Lakers roster. Having said that, Frank Vogel has a deep set of players to be coached. Their experience is heavily added with Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, and Rajon Rondo playing off the bench.
Why did Sally rule out Philadelphia and Brooklyn from his predictions?
While Sally also considered the Philadelphia 76ers in place of the Bucks, he sidelined the option because of the ongoing Ben Simmons saga. And talking about the star team Brooklyn Nets, Sally believes they aren’t going that far. With all due respect for Kevin Durant, he mentioned –“He (KD) doesn’t have the support. He doesn’t have what he had in Golden State.”
The Freak, Giannis Antetokounmpo, poured out his entire skillset into winning the 2021 ring. And this year it’s a bigger testing time for him as key players are getting in form. Sally further commented on the young superstar by saying, “We’re going to see how good Giannis really is in this next Finals. He’s gonna have to be as good as he was. He made everybody a believer, but he’s gonna have to do it again.”
Jul 11, 2021; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul (3) drives for the basket against Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the second quarter in game three of the 2021 NBA Finals at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Lakers vs Bucks is the matchup that John Sally expects out of the next year. But, the competition is high and teams are pulling their socks up for a new lap. Who will be the 2022 NBA finalists? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
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