The Los Angeles Lakers have to put the peddle to the meddling after the latest loss against the Chicago Bulls at home. Although, they will face the Bulls again tonight in United Center in Chicago. Apparently, the Lakers do not have a good record playing on-the-road games. The Western Conference is a tightly knit group where the teams share almost similar win-loss ratios. Before the remaining seven games get over, it is too hard to tell now who will finally make the top six. The Lakers have a good chance of making the top six.
But the squad can also easily fall down to the 11th or 12th seed missing the postseason altogether. Clearly, they need a streak to hold on to. But the good news is LeBron James is back in the lineup. Moreover, D’Angelo Russell did not play the last game, but he might be able to play tonight. But the Bulls have a slight advantage with the momentum on their side as they won the last encounter between the two. With every game, the table is shifting in the Western Conference.
What Are The Los Angeles Lakers Playoff Chances?
As per the stats, Denver Nuggets have the upper hand in the Western Conference to remain the top seed after the regular season. Memphis Grizzlies comes second in the table. Both these teams look quite comfortable in the Conference. Moreover, the 3rd seed is the Sacramento King, which also looks quite comfortable. But the excitement starts from the 4th seed Phoneix Suns and the 5th seed Los Angeles Clippers. The Suns are just a game behind the Clippers.
Apparently, the following teams are very close to giving a good fight for the 5th or may be the 4th seed even. The Lakers are hanging in the 9th seed at present. They have to maintain a winning streak from the next game. Losing is not an option anymore. If they lose any more games, then the dream of finishing the top six will move further away.
Darvin Ham And LeBron James Believe They Can Make The Top Six
Albeit, coach Darvin Ham and star LeBron James believe they can make the top six. The top ten finish will mean they are eligible to take part in the play-in. But the play-in is really tough as the teams are mostly on the road. The Lakers may have to face the Oklahoma City Thunder if they have to be in the play-in. The Thunder lately had the upper hand on the Lakers. In the game where James broke the “Captain’s” record, the Thunder eventually had the last laugh. Hence, it will be tough for the Lakers in the play-in with a lot of fitness concerns in the roster.
It is better if the Lakers finish among the top six. Firstly, the LA side will need to focus on taking a sweet revenge on the Bulls after the last encounter. Then onwards, a streak is what they need to maintain for the remaining seven games. If the playoffs are an excellent possibility, then the Lakers need to go for it. It is challenging but not impossible. The Lakers are now 9th, but with a streak, they can theoretically climb up to the 4th seed with a good chance.
