Ronny Turiaf thinks LeBron James can lead LA Lakers back to playoffs

LeBron James and the LA Lakers are in 13th place in the Western Conference standings with a 20-24 record. Former Laker and one-time NBA champ Ronny Turiaf reckons James can still lead the team back to the playoffs.

In an exclusive interview with Liam Solomon of Basketball Insiders, Turiaf discussed the Lakers' chances of getting back into the postseason. The Frenchman noted that as long as James is there, the Lakers will always have a chance.

"Anytime you have Lebron James on your team, you have a chance to win," Turiaf said. "I truly believe that, so I'm excited about him."

Ronny Turiaf was a second-round pick by the LA Lakers in 2006. He spent two seasons in Hollywood before signing with the Golden State Warriors as a free agent. He then bounced around the NBA, getting traded to the New York Knicks and Washington Wizards.

Turiaf was also traded to the Denver Nuggets in 2012 but was waived before playing a game for them. He went on to sign with the Miami Heat, wherein he teamed up with LeBron James and won his first and only NBA championship.

The Gonzaga product would also play for the LA Clippers and Minnesota Timberwolves before retiring in 2016, two years after his last NBA game. Apart from James, Turiaf was also able to play alongside Kobe Bryant and Steph Curry.

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Can LeBron James lead LA Lakers to playoffs?

LeBron James has made it clear that he wants to continue winning despite the LA Lakers' struggles since last season. James has simply been unstoppable ever since turning 38 on December 30.

"The King" is averaging 37.0 points, 9.7 rebounds and 8.6 assists in his last few games. He's also shooting 55.4% from the field during that span but just 27.3% from beyond the arc. He's carrying the Lakers in the absence of Anthony Davis, who's recovering from a leg injury.

So, can the LA Lakers really make it back to the playoffs? They're just one game behind the final play-in tournament places. They're also just two games behind the sixth spot, which is the last guaranteed postseason spot.

It's definitely possible for the Lakers to return to the playoffs, but they will need Davis to regain his health. They might also need to improve their roster via the waiver wire or trade. James has been sending subtle hints to the front office to make a deal.

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