LA Lakers battle for a playoff spot: Can they make it happen in 2023?
After a rough start to the year, things have turned around for the LA Lakers. Between making some minor changes and an incredible run from LeBron James, the team has managed to get their season back on track.
Even without the services of Anthony Davis, the LA Lakers continue to battle on a nightly basis. They are 6-4 over their last ten and currently sit in 12th place in the Western Conference. While their position might seem bad, LA finds itself in the playoff hunt.
The West was expected to be air-tight this season, and that's how things have played out. Currently, there are only two games between the sixth-seeded LA Clippers and the Lakers. Given how close things are, the standings are likely to be in constant flux for the rest of the season.
At this point in time, there are multiple playoff spots up for grabs. The question is, will the LA Lakers be able to secure one?
Can LA Lakers make the playoffs this season?
Seeing as they are currently one of the teams in the mix, it's hard to count the LA Lakers out. They have figured out some of their issues and are close to being fully healthy again. If Anthony Davis can return to the level of play he was at before his injury, they can certainly climb up the standings.
On top of getting healthy, the Lakers also made some upgrades to the roster. They recently executed a trade with the Washington Wizards to bring in former lottery pick Rui Hachimura. He should solidify their forward depth and provide a spark off the bench with Russell Westbrook.
With a little over two weeks until the trade deadline, LA might not be done. With a spot in the postseason on the table, they might be more inclined to try and get more deals done.
While on the court together, LeBron James and AD are still one of the top duos in the league. If the Lakers can consistently get them back on the floor, they should squeak into the playoffs.
The Utah Jazz and the Minnesota Timberwolves are two teams ahead of LA that are likely to fall in the standings. The Oklahoma City Thunder are a team to keep an eye on, but the Lakers should be able to steal a spot from one of those teams.
If the Lakers make the playoffs, it will almost certainly be through a play-in tournament. The top seeds are almost decided, and the Golden State Warriors aren't going to stay in tenth place all year. Given all of these factors, LA has a good chance of making the playoffs in 2023.