What Is ‘Lakers in 5’ on TikTok? Shannon Sharpe Meme Explained

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Users on TikTok have been swamping the app with content centered around the “Lakers in 5” meme, which has become a dominant topic in NBA conversations and video edits. Originating from a casual remark by Shannon Sharpe, this phrase soon skyrocketed to viral fame, sparking numerous videos, remixes, and responses.

Here’s how it began and why it’s everywhere.

What is ‘Lakers in 5’ meme on TikTok?

The phrase ‘Lakers in 5’ has become a popular internet meme and TikTok craze, originating from a well-known sports commentator named Shannon Sharpe.

As a devoted fan, I’m sharing a prediction that’s been buzzing around: The Los Angeles Lakers are set to conquer a playoff series in just five games. This forecast took off after the charismatic analyst, Sharpe, exclaimed, “OKC, KFC, UFC… Lakers in 5!” on First Take.

Previously, he uttered the phrase “Whiteside, backside, sunny side, Lakers in 5,” in August 2020, which was a reference to Hassan Whiteside and the Portland Trail Blazers.

In a humorous, rhythmic manner, Sharpe frequently predicts NBA matchups by listing names or phrases followed by “Lakers in 5.” This signifies that he believes the Lakers would win a seven-game playoff series in only five matches. Notably, he made this prediction in March 2025 when the Lakers were trailing the Oklahoma City Thunder by ten games. However, even with this significant deficit, Sharpe maintained his belief that the Lakers were the top team in the Western Conference.

On TikTok, users started using a meme template by making videos with edits that follow Sharpe’s rhythmic scheme. These usually consist of three rhyming lines or references, followed by Sharpe exclaiming, “Lakers win in 5!” The video then shifts to highlight reels featuring players like LeBron James and Luka Dončić from the Lakers. A popular viral example is: “Llama, Llama red pajama, Barack Hussein Obama, Taste So Good Make You Wanna Slap Yo’ Momma, Lakers win in 5.

Examples like ‘Serge Ibaka, Chewbacca, Wacka Flocka’ and ‘Steph’s Threes, Embiid’s Knees, Austin Reaves,’ often appear together with the phrase ‘Lakers in.’ This phrase has become popular among sports enthusiasts, commentators, and TikTok creators.

A performance mimicking Sharpe’s mannerism garnered approximately 148,800 likes, and a post with three rhyming clips ending with “Lakers in 5” received around 559,600 likes. The popular trend of meme sharing has skyrocketed since February 2025.

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2025-03-21 07:41