Will LeBron James And The LA Lakers Make The Playoffs? A Schedule-Based Analysis

By | Bullscore 22 Mar, 2023

As the NBA regular season draws to a close, the LA Lakers find themselves just outside of the Western Conference play-in picture with only 10 games remaining. With every game becoming increasingly crucial, the Lakers will have to give it their all to secure a playoff spot. Unfortunately for the team, they are still without star forward LeBron James, making it essential for their star big man, Anthony Davis, to carry the load.

Currently tied with the 12th-placed New Orleans Pelicans, the Lakers are just 1.5 games behind the sixth-placed Golden State Warriors. This means that there is still room for variance in terms of where the Lakers could finish in the standings.

Fortunately, their remaining schedule is relatively light, featuring only three games against teams with a record above .500. The Lakers will play two games against Phoenix, the fourth-placed team in the West, and one against the LA Clippers, currently fifth in the conference.

Their other seven matchups will be against teams ranked 7th to 10th in the West and 10th in the East, with games against Utah, OKC, and Minnesota potentially being the most pivotal. These three teams are currently in a play-in position in the West.

For the Lakers to make the play-in, they will likely need to finish the season with at least a 5-5 record. However, a winning record over their final 10 games would significantly improve their chances. The Lakers need to go 6-4 or 7-3 to finish the season at .500 or with a winning record, respectively.

It is clear that the Lakers’ battle for the playoffs will come down to the wire. With only 10 games remaining, every point counts, and the team will have to give it their all to secure a playoff spot without their star player.