After 62 matches, the Los Angeles Lakers The playoff picture is becoming clearer. LeBron James and Anthony Davis are once again leading the team’s effort to climb the Western Conference standings, aiming to replicate their late-season progress from the previous year.
After a historic night in which LeBron James reached 40,000 points in the NBA, the Lakers suffered a disappointing 124-114 loss after blowing a first-half lead to the defending champion Denver Nuggets.
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On that note, we take a look at the LA Lakers’ playoff picture and assess their opportunities to improve their record.
LA Lakers playoff photo: Team rankings
The LA Lakers have a winning record of 33-29 but find themselves in 10th place in the Western Conference.
At their current pace, they are on pace to clinch the final spot in the NBA Play-In tournament. With a 5.5 game lead over the Utah Jazz, it would take a significant misfortune for the Lakers to lose their play-in position.
But to climb to sixth place in the Conference, the Lakers would have to surpass the Warriors of the Golden State, Dallas Mavericks, Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns. The gap between the Suns and Lakers is only three games, leaving plenty of time to move between the teams with 20 more games remaining.
LA Lakers Playoff Photo: Schedule
Between March 4 and April 14, the Lakers will play 20 games, including 11 at home and nine away. Their next four games will take place at Crypto.com Arena, promising a tough stretch, with matchups against the OKC Thunder, Sacramento Kings, Milwaukee Bucks and Minnesota Timberwolves.
It is crucial for the Lakers to capitalize on their home court advantage, considering their success in winning 21 of 31 home games this season. With eight of the next nine games scheduled in Los Angeles, they have ample opportunity to pick up a few wins before embarking on a six-game road trip starting March 26.
As the season comes to a close, April 6-14, the Lakers will play three of their final five games at home, closing out their regular season campaign.
LA Lakers playoff photo: X-Factor
As the Lakers strive for more wins to secure a better playoff position, they hope a few players will step up and help LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
All eyes are on D’Angelo Russell, whose improved gameplay is a sign of potential good things to come. If the 2019 NBA All-Star must become the team’s third-leading offensive scorer to improve the Lakers’ situation in the playoffs.
Austin Reaves and newly acquired Spencer Dinwiddie will look to play a key role as well as support the Lakers’ star players.
