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LeBron James and the LA Lakers are in a solid position to compete in the play-in tournament. However, there could be an opportunity to rise even further. With only a few games left in the season and a tight race for the playoffs brewing, we take a look at how the Lakers could clinch the fifth seed in the West.
The LA Lakers' season can be distinctly split into two halves - before the All-Star break and after. Needless to say, the difference in performances is amply evident.
Since the acquisition of players like D'Angelo Russell and Jarred Vanderbilt, the Lakers have looked like a different unit. With some impressive size across the board, the Purple and Gold have enjoyed rotational flexibility they dreamt of since the offseason. Now, the Lakers look like a force to be reckoned with.
Although LA took some hits after the All-Star break with LeBron James missing a significant number of games, the Lakers hung tough. Anthony Davis becoming a pillar of support has been a huge factor. As things stand, the Lakers are seventh in the West with a 40-38 record. While that may seem underwhelming, it's key to note how tight the margins in the West are.
The Purple and Gold are tied for seventh with the New Orleans Pelicans. Meanwhile, the Golden State Warriors, who are sixth, are tied for fifth with the LA Clippers. The 0.5 games separating the bottom half from the top could be crucial in the coming days. Realistically speaking, the Lakers could go as high as fifth too.
Should LA win their next game against the Utah Jazz, they will be tied with the Warriors for sixth. However, as the Lakers won the season-series over Golden State, they could move up to sixth.
That's where it gets slightly complicated, as it also involves another team's failure. Should the Clippers lose their next game, they could find themselves swapping places with the Lakers. Furthermore, the Lakers could drop as low as seventh if the Warriors beat the OKC Thunder.
Several variables are at play that could determine the LA Lakers' chances of closing the regular season as the fifth seed. With LeBron James and Anthony Davis leading the way, the Purple and Gold may have a chance of pulling through.
LeBron James will be essential for LA Lakers
LeBron James is undoubtedly the most important figure on and off the court for the LA Lakers. However, his importance will be highlighted in the last three games.
The game against Utah is the least challenging of the three remaining fixtures. While winning is a priority, the Lakers will be more concerned with the matchups against the Clippers and Phoenix Suns.
Considering that the Clippers game is on the second night of a back-to-back, there's a great chance that LeBron James could play that one and sit out the Utah game. With a day's rest, he should then be available for the Suns game.
Should that happen, the Lakers will have to look to Anthony Davis to lead the charge against Utah. Aagainst a rather potent Jazz frontcourt, Davis will have to build on his current form to ensure a win for his team.
The LA Lakers' late-season surge sums up the desperation with which they want that playoff spot. Considering how they have been playing recently, they could make some noise in the playoffs.
