LA may have just lost, but they have the makings of a playoff team. The Lakers have won four of their last six games. They are now in a position to make the postseason. During a win against Toronto, the Los Angeles Lakers, led by the play of D’Angelo Russell, finished the game with 28 points, five rebounds, and nine assists. Russell made five 3- pointers in his return back from an ankle injury.
Photo Cred: ABC
The Lakers also got contributions from Dennis Schroder, Austin Reaves, Jared Vanderbilt, and Rui Hachimura. Schroder scored 23 points, Reaves scored 18 points, and Hachimura & Vanderbilt both; added 16 points. The Los Angeles Lakers’ new addictions have been contributing to the Laker’s success since the trade deadline. The question marks the Lakers had throughout the season have been- resolved.
Photo Cred: USA Today
The Los Angeles Lakers are a team that can make a playoff run, and with the uncertainty of the Western Conference, the Lakers have a puncher’s chance. Since the all-star break ended, the Los Angeles Lakers have a 6-2 record, and they are playing some of their best basketball of the season without their best player LeBron James.
LeBron James is excited about how the Lakers are playing in his absence. James tweeted that he loves his team. James stated, ” Man, I love this team!”
Photo Cred: Sports Spectrum
LeBron James knows with the new-look Lakers that he has a realistic chance at competing and possibly winning another title in his 20th season in the NBA. James was playing at an MVP level before a foot injury slide-lined him. LeBron James has to be thinking that the Lakers can beat anyone in a seven-game series when healthy.
Another reason why the Los Angeles Lakers have been playing like one of the hottest teams is because of Anthony Davis. Davis has averaged over 30 points per game and has been the leader the Lakers have needed in LeBron’s absence. The Los Angeles Lakers have a chance to build more wins and move in the standings in the Western Conference.
Photo Cred: LA Times
The Lakers can jump the Timberwolves, Warriors, Mavericks, and Clippers. L.A. is only a couple of games back from the sixth seed. The Lakers have a favorable schedule with facing teams such as the Knicks, Pelicans, Rockets, Mavericks, Magic, Suns, Thunder, Bulls, and Timberwolves. In the next few weeks, the Lakers; are facing teams they should be favored against without LeBron James.
It’s all or nothing for the Lakers because they need to get themselves out of the Play-In Tournament and put themselves as the 6th seed going into the playoffs. The Los Angeles Lakers have a window to do something big closing the regular season. Will the Lakers see the moment or drop the ball?
