By dropping three consecutive video games and 7 of their final 10 in latest days, the Los Angeles Lakers have slipped into the standings. They held second place within the West Convention not so way back, however now they’re in fourth place with a file of 43-28, which is identical document in fifth place Memphis Grizzlies to have. Lakers have just one cushion of two video games in sixth place Golden State Warriors.
After their magnificent 146-115 Loss At Chicago Bulls On Saturday, head coach JJ Redick mentioned they have been aiming to complete with at the least the sixth seed within the West.
Through Espn::
“The Lakers coach, JJ Redick, mentioned that his group’s goal was to safe the seeded n ° 6 or higher in order that he may begin every week of relaxation and preparation between the top of the common season and the beginning of the playoffs fairly than dealing with a necessary situation within the recreation match, that Los Angeles has handled three of the final 4 years,” mentioned Dave McMenamin.
On the floor, this may increasingly appear an inexpensive objective. However is it sufficient?
The implementation of such a low bar or a minimal may give this group and its gamers an built-in excuse to ship it and lose decrease groups corresponding to Bulls, or the Orlando MagicThe group misplaced it for 12 factors on Monday. Unconsciously, they could have the impression that their goal is already a lock, and subsequently they could not play onerous or begin getting ready for the playoffs whereas the calendar is remodeled in April.
Final season, the group misplaced a lot of video games towards decrease groups, and this season, it has finished nicely towards the groups with successful data, however not in addition to it ought to do towards the groups it ought to beat. It’s a must to ask your self if final season, the Lakers have been content material to achieve the sport match and thought it may calm down all yr spherical, then gentle it in April.
Los Angeles is at present solely a match behind third place Denver NuggetsA group of which he’ll most likely win the equality break. It is usually solely 2.5 video games behind second place Houston RocketsA group he’ll play at residence twice within the coming weeks.
Which means that acquiring the second seeded may nonetheless be practical, which signifies that the group ought to goal the second seeded whether it is actually critical on the thought of reaching the NBA closing. In any other case, it may begin the playoffs on the street towards a fiery group Memphis or Denver and maybe exit on this flip.
Lakers are wholesome now. They don’t have any excuse for stress-free or taking video games, neighborhoods or video games. It’s time for them to enter eliminatory mode and attain the celebs.
This text initially appeared on LeBron Wire: Do the Lakers put the bar excessive sufficient for the remainder of the season?
