NBA Writer Thinks Lakers Barely Sneak Into Play-In Tournament As No 10 Seed
Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report writes that your 32-34 Los Angeles Lakers, currently the ninth seed in the West, will be able to overcome the James injury enough to at least qualify for the play-in tournament in the conference when all is said and done.
Swartz speaks glowingly about the team's various new pieces added in the weeks and days leading up to this year's trade deadline, including D'Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley, Jarred Vanderbilt, Rui Hachimura and Mo Bamba.
Bamba, of course, is now sidelined for the ensuing four weeks (at least) with a high left ankle sprain, but he'd hopefully be back in time for any play-in tournament games, which would happen beyond that timeline.
Swartz notes that Davis when healthy can be a team's top scorer and best defender, nifty work if you can get it. Swartz is convinced the Utah Jazz have made several moves to depreciate their current assets in service of improving their future ones, and believes they will ultimately fall out of the play-in hunt.
Many other clubs are nipping at the Lakers' heels in the current play-in race. LA currently has the same record (32-34) as the West's No. 10-seeded New Orleans Pelicans. Los Angles is just 0.5 games ahead of the still-feisty Jazz and one game in front of the Portland Trail Blazers and Oklahoma City Thunder.
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!
