Lakers: LeBron James Indicates How Many Of LA's Final 23 Games He Intends To Play
The Lakers have had a rocky year thus far, and with 23 games left in the regular season, they will try to hustle their way into the Play-In Tournament. Lakers star LeBron James made a statement at All-Star weekend that displayed how committed he is to making this year’s playoffs:
“These are 23 of the most important games of my career for a regular season,” James said. “I’m going to figure out ways to make sure I’m available and on the floor for every single one of these 23 games."
James has suffered his fair share of injuries this season and recently injured his hand during the 2023 All-Star game. His health has always been of the utmost importance for this team and its success.
Prior to All-Star weekend, the four-time NBA champion was sidelined due to a left ankle injury that was still causing him some pain.
Nevertheless, the King remains determined in his aspirations to see the postseason even in his 20th year in the league. The Lakers are currently at the No. 13 seed in the Western Conference and 3.5 games behind the No. 6 seed.
“I want to make a push to make the playoffs,” he said. “I see myself not being kept out of the postseason two years straight. That’s not part of my DNA. We’re sitting here talking about the record, things of that nature, but I’m more passionate about trying to make the postseason and give ourselves a chance to compete for another Larry O’Brien Trophy. That’s just who I am. That’s what I’m cut from.”
If the Lakers hope to avoid the Play-In Tournament they will have to turn it all the way up to earn the No. 6 spot. As the end of the regular season comes to a close, the Play-In Tournament may be a more reasonable goal, tough. Every game will hold the most significant value for the Lakers.
“I’ve always been confident in any club that I’ve been on, once we got into the playoffs, that we can compete with anyone, and I feel no different now,” James said. “With the roster the way we’re shaped up right now, if we can finish off this regular season on the right foot, then we can compete versus anyone in the Western Conference, if not the whole league.”
Before the trade deadline, talks of the Lakers making the playoffs may have been well out of reach. Now, with the addition of players like D’Angelo Russell and Jarred Vanderbilt, this team can certainly end the season strong. James and the Purple and Gold are on a big mission.
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