The Lakers are one of the hottest teams in the NBA, as they have won eight-straigh games and 14 of their last 16 dating back to January. That puts Los Angeles in second place in the Western Conference, with only the Thunder better in the west and Cavaliers and Celtics better in the east.
Therefore, Lakers fans are dreaming of a championship, with LeBron James and Luka Doncic potentially leading Los Angeles to its 18th title.
Among the media members on the Lakers bandwagon is Shannon Sharpe, as the long-time LeBron James supporter is also feeling good about the team. Recently, Sharpe has even created a bit of a rallying cry for Lakers fans on social media with the “Lakers in 5” meme.
As Los Angeles prepares for a huge playoff run, here’s a breakdown of how the meme came to be.
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Lakers in 5 meme, explained
During First Take on March 3, Shannon Sharpe explained that he believes the Lakers are the best team in the West. That includes over the Thunder, who are over 10 games ahead of Los Angeles in the standings.
“I told you the other day, Stephen A., it didn’t matter, Sharpe said. “OKC, KFC, UFC…Lakers in 5!”
“OKC, KFC, UFC … Lakers in 5!”@ShannonSharpe isn’t taking anyone over the Lakers in the West 😤 pic.twitter.com/CuuUP5qYhx
— First Take (@FirstTake) March 3, 2025
Lakers fans on social media have adopted Sharpe’s rallying cry, but instead of using the Thunder, fans are subbing in other potential Lakers opponents like the Warriors and Celtics. It has gotten to the point where some of the memes just include words that rhyme that don’t have to do with any basketball teams.
Here are some of the best “Lakers in 5” memes from Lakers fans:
Stephen Curry
Tempero Cury
Mc FluryLakers in 5🤚🏻 https://t.co/afxElM6gnp pic.twitter.com/6o0AaZMfL3
— The Kid Laker (@TheKidLakerBR) March 5, 2025
Celtics, Jellyfish, Hurricane Chris, Lakers in 5 pic.twitter.com/XKCEopbLSp
— Mr MatchMaker (@Tha_Mentalist) March 5, 2025
Let it shine, porcupine, lemon lime… lakers in 5 ✋🏿 pic.twitter.com/FvLYMytIuF
— jakey🤥 (@dontlikenothin) March 5, 2025
Serge Ibaka, Chewbacca, Waka Flocka.
Lakers in 5. pic.twitter.com/0es9dVS7K8
— ⚡️ Virgil Hawkins⚡️ (@ColeWorldSIMBA) March 7, 2025
Somebody said Stephs Threes, Embiids Knees, Austin Reaves… Lakers in 5 pic.twitter.com/qtn2e1Y79k
— Michael Jordan’s Burner Official (@jordanumbers) March 4, 2025
Lakers fans always have high expectations for their team, so they are sure to ride the wave whenever Los Angeles is a championship contender.
The Lakers schedule doesn’t get any easier as they are set to play the Celtics, Bucks and Nuggets in three of their next four games. That won’s matter to Los Angeles fans, though, as they are only gaining confidence in their team.
Lakers schedule
| Date | Opponent | Time |
| March 8 | @Boston Celtics | 8:30 p.m. ET |
| March 10 | @Brooklyn Nets | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| March 13 | @Milwaukee Bucks | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| March 14 | @Denver Nuggets | 9:30 p.m. ET |
| March 16 | vs. Phoenix Suns | 3:30 p.m. ET |
