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LeBron James and the LA Lakers have solid prospects of returning to the playoffs after a one-season absence. Despite starting the year 2-10, LA recovered and finished with the seventh-best record in the NBA at 43-39. They went 18-9 after the trade deadline, tied for the third-best record in the league during that stretch.
The Lakers sealed a play-in tournament berth and will have two opportunities to make the playoffs. If they win the seventh-seed game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Lakers will play the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round. If the Lakers lose, they will face either the New Orleans Pelicans or OKC Thunder for the eighth seed.
Winning that game will see the LA Lakers take on the No. 1 seed Denver Nuggets in Round 1. The Lakers will enter the play-in tournament as hot favorites to make the playoffs as they will have a homecourt advantage.
Fans are excited about the idea of LeBron James returning to the playoffs. He is one of the greatest playoff performers ever, and despite a lower seeding, many believe he could power LA to a deep run. One fan wrote:
"LeBron in playoffs mode"
More reactions followed:
LeBron James in top form entering the postseason
LA Lakers fans are optimistic about winning the play-in tournament for multiple reasons. The Lakers' recent surge and improvement in areas like their 3-point shooting, defense, squad depth and the health of LeBron James and Anthony Davis are some of the reasons that favor LA.
James' recent form has also elevated the Lakers' chances of making the playoffs. Over his past four games, LeBron has averaged 30.5 points, 6.3 rebounds and 6.3 assists, shooting 51/49/80 splits. These numbers are similar to James' playoff numbers in some of his best finals performances.
LeBron has also looked solid defensively, an area of his game that drastically improves come playoff time. That will be crucial to the Lakers' success, especially against some of the younger teams they might face early on.
It's difficult to stop James when he's in rhythm. This has helped him make 10 finals appearances in his career and eight in a row between 2011 and 2018, which hasn't been easy. The Lakers brass has done an excellent job surrounding LeBron with players matching his skillset.
The additions of D'Angelo Russell, Jarred Vanderbilt and Malik Beasley should come in handy. Meanwhile, the emergence of sophomore guard Austin Reaves also bodes well for LeBron James' shot at another successful postseason with LA.
