Unc's Legacy: The 5 Funniest Times Shannon Sharpe's "Lakers In 5" Prediction Went Viral

The phrase "Lakers in 5" is more than just a sports prediction; it's a cultural phenomenon and one of the most enduring memes in modern NBA commentary. Originating with Hall of Fame tight end and prominent sports analyst Shannon Sharpe, the catchphrase has transcended its original intent to become a shorthand for both unwavering team loyalty and the inevitable, often hilarious, failure of a bold sports take. As of late 2025, the meme remains a staple on social media, used every time the Los Angeles Lakers enter a new playoff series—win or lose. This iconic declaration, often delivered with Sharpe's signature enthusiasm and a series of rhyming couplets, first took off during the 2020 NBA Playoffs in the Orlando Bubble. Sharpe, a staunch supporter of LeBron James and the Lakers, would routinely predict that his team would dispatch their seven-game series opponents in a swift five games, leading to its instant popularity on the Fox Sports show *Undisputed* with Skip Bayless. The phrase's longevity is a testament to the power of a simple, repeatable, and easily mockable prediction in the age of viral content.

The Undisputed Origin and Enduring Biography of Shannon Sharpe

Before becoming a viral meme generator, Shannon Sharpe built a legendary career that cemented his place among football's elite. Understanding his background is key to appreciating his passionate, often over-the-top, sports commentary.

• Full Name: Shannon Brett Sharpe
• Date of Birth: June 26, 1968
• Place of Birth: Chicago, Illinois, USA (Raised in Glennville, Georgia)
• College: Savannah State University (Division II)
• NFL Career: 14 Seasons (1990–2003)
• Primary Teams: Denver Broncos (1990–1999, 2002–2003), Baltimore Ravens (2000–2001)
• Position: Tight End
• Super Bowl Championships: 3 (Denver Broncos: XXXII, XXXIII; Baltimore Ravens: XXXV)
• Pro Bowl Selections: 8
• First-Team All-Pro: 4
• Hall of Fame: Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011
• Media Career Highlights: Co-host of *Undisputed* (2016–2023), Host of *Club Shay Shay* podcast (2020–Present), Co-host of *First Take* on ESPN (2023–Present)

Sharpe's transition from NFL legend to media powerhouse was driven by his charismatic personality and willingness to make bold, entertaining statements. His "Lakers in 5" catchphrase is arguably the most famous example of his media persona, blending genuine fandom with an element of playful trolling.

The Birth of a Catchphrase: Lakers in 5 in the NBA Bubble

The "Lakers in 5" meme officially took root during the 2020 NBA Playoffs, which were held in a controlled environment at Walt Disney World near Orlando, Florida, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Los Angeles Lakers, led by superstar LeBron James and Anthony Davis, were the top seed in the Western Conference. Sharpe's initial predictions were not just random guesses; they were a consistent show of confidence in the Lakers' ability to dominate every opponent. The rhythm and delivery of the phrase, often paired with an exaggerated hand gesture, instantly made it a viral clip. During the bubble, the Lakers defeated the Portland Trail Blazers, the Houston Rockets, and the Denver Nuggets, all in five games, which only amplified the meme's power and cemented Sharpe's reputation as a prophet—or at least, a lucky fan. The phrase became so popular that it was adapted into numerous TikTok edits and social media posts, often featuring compilations of Sharpe delivering the line with increasing theatricality. The simplicity of the declaration—a series victory in the minimum number of games necessary after a single loss—made it the perfect rallying cry for Lakers fans and a source of mockery for rivals.

When the Prediction Fails: The Funniest Backtracks and Viral Moments

What truly gave the "Lakers in 5" meme its staying power was not its accuracy, but the hilarious fallout when the prediction inevitably failed. Sharpe’s reaction to a Lakers loss often provided even more viral content than his original prediction.

1. The "Lakers Going Home in 5" Clarification

Perhaps the most iconic backpedal came after a particularly disappointing Lakers playoff exit. Facing the music on his show, Sharpe jokingly attempted to retroactively change his prediction. He claimed that when he said "Lakers in 5," he was "pressed for time" and what he *meant* to say was "Lakers going home in 5!" This self-deprecating humor and quick-witted attempt to spin the narrative instantly went viral, proving that Sharpe was in on the joke.

2. The Rhyme Schemes Against the Oklahoma City Thunder (OKC)

Sharpe's predictions often included elaborate, nonsensical rhymes to introduce the phrase, adding a layer of comedic genius. One particularly memorable instance involved the Oklahoma City Thunder (OKC), where he coined the line, "SGA, PGA, USA, Lakers in 5!" The arbitrary nature of linking Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) to the Professional Golfers' Association (PGA) and the entire United States of America (USA) while still predicting a sweep-like victory became a beloved staple of the meme.

3. The Minnesota Timberwolves Elimination

After the Lakers were eliminated from the playoffs by a team like the Minnesota Timberwolves, fans and rival analysts, including Stephen A. Smith, were quick to hold Sharpe accountable. The meme was weaponized against him, with the phrase being used to mock the Lakers' premature exit. This constant, cyclical use—from serious prediction to celebratory chant to ultimate mockery—is why the "Lakers in 5" mantra has such a high topical authority in NBA discourse.

4. The First Take Era and Stephen A. Smith's Mockery

Following his move from *Undisputed* to ESPN's *First Take*, Sharpe brought his famous catchphrase with him, much to the delight of his new co-host, Stephen A. Smith. Smith, known for his own hyperbolic takes, often loses it laughing when Sharpe launches into a "Lakers in 5" prediction, especially when it involves a team that is clearly superior to the Lakers at the time. The new dynamic has given the meme a fresh platform and new life, ensuring its continued relevance in the current sports media landscape.

5. The Generalization to Any Series

Today, the "Lakers in 5" phrase is often used by fans and commentators to predict a swift series victory for *any* dominant team, regardless of whether the Lakers are involved. It has become a generic term for a 4-1 series win, a true sign that the meme has evolved beyond its creator and original context. This generalization is the ultimate measure of its success as a piece of viral sports culture.

The Enduring Legacy of Unc's Bold Prediction

Shannon Sharpe's "Lakers in 5" catchphrase is a perfect example of how personality and digital media can turn a simple sports prediction into a lasting cultural artifact. It embodies the modern sports fan: passionate, prone to exaggeration, and ultimately, able to laugh at themselves when things go wrong. The phrase has generated millions of views and interactions across platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok, cementing Sharpe's status as a top-tier sports entertainer. Whether the Lakers are actually title contenders or struggling for a play-in spot, one thing remains certain: as long as the NBA playoffs are on, someone, somewhere, is going to be saying, "Lakers in 5!" and the meme will live on.