Howard predicts that the Lakers will win the championship! I want to return to play for the Purple and Gold: The opponent can't stop me and Doncic from blocking and dismantling

On April 16, Beijing time, Howard, who has been inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame, was interviewed by Basketball Insider and predicted that the Lakers would win the championship this season. He still wants to get back to the Lakers and believes that his pick-and-roll with Doncic will make it difficult for opponents to stop.

Howard, who won the championship with the Lakers in 2020, predicts that the 2025 Finals will be between the Lakers and the Cavaliers. As for who will win the championship? Howard predicts that the Lakers, led by James and Doncic, will lift the trophy.

"The Lakers are scary because if James stays healthy in the playoffs, it's going to be very difficult for other teams to beat them in a best-of-seven series," Howard said. I predict that the Lakers will meet the Cavaliers in the Finals. ”

When James and Doncic play at the same time, the Lakers have a 15-8 record (65.2% win rate).

"I love how the Lakers are playing right now," Howard said of his old club, "and I love Redick's ability to stay focused all season and not let anything extraneous affect the team." The addition of Doncic has really taken them to the next level. I think they can go very far in the playoffs. In a best-of-seven series, I don't think many teams can beat them. ”

Howard explains why the James and Doncic duo will make it difficult for other teams to stop. Doncic just reached the NBA Finals last season, while James has reached the Finals 10 times, the most of any active player.

"Doncic's style of play, scoring and passing ability, combined with James' basketball acucumen, can be a headache for opponents," Howard said. Doncic in the playoffs will dunk from others and shoot from a distance in the half. They have the informally in-form Reaves, as well as the defensive strikers. James has led the team very well. ”

Despite having the best record in the West, Howard doesn't think the Thunder have an advantage against the Lakers. In the West, Howard feels that the only team that can cause problems for the Lakers is the Nuggets. The Nuggets have beaten the Lakers in each of the playoffs in the past two seasons, while the Lakers have won just one game in both series.

However, the Nuggets may be in a shaky state at the moment following the dismissal of head coach Michael Malone.

"I think the only team that can cause them problems is the Nuggets — but the Lakers can beat the Nuggets as well," Howard said, "The Thunder are afraid of the Lakers, and the Lakers can beat the Thunder." I don't think the Lakers have a problem playing the Thunder. ”

Howard has not ruled out a return to the NBA if the right opportunity arises. Howard said that if he can team up with Doncic with the Lakers, Doncic will score "every time" in his pick-and-roll play.

"Doncic scores every time — every time we score," Howard said, "and it's hard for the opponent to stop me from playing with Luka's pick-and-roll. My cover was very deadly. The only thing the opponent can do is for an offensive foul, but my screen will be very good and the space Doncic gets from my screen will take his game to the next level. I go down to the basket to get a lot of defensive attention because no one wants me to dunk. It will bring a lot of energy to the team. ”

Howard said that despite being 39 years old, he can still contribute 10 to 12 points per game for the Lakers. Although he said that it is "difficult" to return to the NBA due to the priority of taking care of his children, he did not rule out the possibility of returning in the future.

"Of course [a return] is possible," Howard said of leaving room for a return, "and it would be crazy because it would make history — I'm going to be the first active Hall of Famer to play in the NBA." That would be big news, the first active Hall of Famer to play in the NBA. ”