LeBron James Reflects On Lakers' Chances Heading Into Postseason
The Los Angeles Lakers can still make the playoffs, but they will have to go through the play-in tournament first to do so. They've finished the season with a 47-35 record and the Western Conference's No. 8 seed. Tonight, they'll face off against the No. 7-seeded New Orleans Pelicans (49-33) for the right to play the No. 2-seeded Denver Nuggets. The loser of the game will have another chance to make the playoffs, but will need to play against the winner of the 9-10 matchup between the 46-36 Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors.
LeBron James remains confident that the Lakers are up there with any other team in the league, so long as they are healthy and all available.
“At the end of the day, we know we’re as good as any team in the league when we’re whole,” James said, via The Athletic's Jovan Buha. “And when we’re not, we’re not. It’s hard for us to make up, especially having a guy like AD not playing. It’s almost pretty much impossible to make up for what he provides for our ball club both offensively and defensively."
Injuries have certainly affected the Lakers' play toward the end of the year, especially with both James dealing with an ankle issue and Davis having a concerning hip injury. Having both of their best players ready to go for the play-in tournament will ultimately give the Lakers the best shot at advancing to the playoffs and making a run.
