With 4 NBA Championships to his name, Shaquille O'Neal knows a thing or two about winning.
During his heyday, he led the Lakers through one of their best stretches in franchise history capturing three-straight Championships as he and a young Kobe Bryant dominated the basketball world.
Shaq has been retired for a while now, but he frequently uses his experience and knowledge of the game in discussions about the current Lakers.
Most recently, the NBA legend made an appearance on ESPN's 'First Take' to talk about the upcoming season, agreeing with Carmelo Anthony's take that it's a Championship-or-bust season for the Lakeshow.
"The great Carmelo Anthony was absolutely correct. I have no rebuttal, I have nothing to say, he's absolutely correct... Everybody always talks about age. The Brooklyn Nets and the Lakers have the most experience when it comes to age. I'm not worried about all that young talk."
In short, there are no excuses for the Lakers. In spite of their age, or whatever doubts people might have, the team has the talent and experience to win it all. They also have plenty of motivation.
"You know when they [Lakers] get angry, they play really well. So now they're angry, everybody's doubting them. They've built this little super team now and yes Carmelo Anthony is correct it's a championship or bust for them."
Beating the Brooklyn Nets will be no easy feat. As a team with three superstars, and a powerful bench unit, many have them favored to win the title.
The Lakers are right up there with them, though, and the whole world knows it.
With LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Russell Westbrook, and many more, expectations are at an all-time high.
It will be interesting to see whether they can meet those expectations or fall short of their goal for the second straight season. Whatever the case, there will be no excuses.
More must-reads: