Lakers News: LeBron James Doesn’t Plan On Missing The Playoffs This Year

Lakers superstar doesn’t plan on sitting on his couch come postseason time.

The 2023 All-Star festivities are officially over, and your Los Angeles Lakers will look to make a strong surge in the final month and a half of the regular season. 

Lakers superstar forward LeBron James made that very clear on Sunday as he was speaking to the media in the All-Star presser. 

James made it clear that missing the playoffs this season is not an option. 

"Not being part of the postseason for two years straight, that's not in my DNA."

The purple and gold have 23 regular season games remaining, which are all crucial, and it's something we don't have to remind the 38-year-old about. 

"It's 23 of the most important games of my career, for a regular season, it's the type of mindset that I have, and I hope the guys will have, coming back off the break."

The Lakers are currently the 13th seed in the Western Conference and are sitting five games below .500. It is a deep hole to dig themselves out of caused by their disastrous 2-10 record to start the season, and LA hasn't made it easier for themselves in the last handful of weeks. 

Nonetheless, the Lakers are within arms reach of a postseason berth, and it's very possible they can accomplish that goal. 

The Lakers sit only two games out of the No. 10 spot, and three and a half games out of the No. 6 spot to avoid the Play-In Tournament, altogether. 

Two essential things must happen in order to get into the playoffs: They must get on some sort of winning streak, and the team must stay healthy and available. The healthy and available part could already be in jeopardy as James exited the All-Star game Sunday night due to a hand injury. The good news is he gave us an update on his hand and gave Laker fans a sigh of relief.

LeBron James on his hand: pic.twitter.com/dNrbAaYptO

— HoopsHype (@hoopshype) February 20, 2023

LA is down but not out. If the purple and gold are consistent – one thing they have yet to do this season – they have as good a shot as anybody to make a run in the playoffs in a wide-open Western Conference. 

We'll find out starting Thursday against the Golden State Warriors. 

Are you following us on Twitter, Facebook, or YouTube yet? Join the conversation as we discuss the latest Lakers news and rumors with fans like you!