"DO NOT write off this team!" - Skip Bayless highlights one LeBron James condition that can make Lakers playoff-ready
Skip Bayless is in awe of the LA Lakers' recent resurgence and believes the team cannot be written off if LeBron James returns healthy. The Lakers improved their roster significantly after the trade deadline, which has helped them boast a 7-3 record since.
James played only three games, while new addition D'Angelo Russell played four. However, the Lakers stayed afloat following Anthony Davis' MVP-caliber run and consistent performances from role players on both ends of the court.
After securing a season-series win over the Golden State Warriors with a 113-105 win in their last game, the Lakers did the same against the Memphis Grizzlies, defeating them 112-103 on Tuesday.
Bayless believes that if LeBron James returns healthy before the playoffs, the Lakers will get consideration as contenders in the West. Here's what the veteran TV analyst tweeted:
"Lakers win again, closing the game on a 24-9 run vs Memphis. AD: season-high 22 rebounds. DO NOT WRITE OFF THIS TEAM AS A WESTERN CONFERENCE CONTENDER ... if LeBron can return revitalized before the playoffs."
Lakers win again, closing the game on a 24-9 run vs Memphis. AD: season-high 22 rebounds. DO NOT WRITE OFF THIS TEAM AS A WESTERN CONFERENCE CONTENDER ... if LeBron can return revitalized before the playoffs.
LA Lakers in touching distance of the fifth seed despite LeBron James' absence
The LA Lakers seem to be on the verge of turning their season around. After spending nearly 60 games out of the top 10 seedings, the Lakers are now the sole owners of the ninth spot in the Western Conference with a 32-34 record.
The Lakers are only two games behind the fifth seed in the standings. LA has arguably the best depth among the teams seeded fifth to 12th in the West. They also have a relatively easier schedule and better momentum than teams rivaling them for a top-six spot.
The LA Lakers find themselves in a better rhythm, despite being shorthanded and missing their best player LeBron James. That isn't the case with the other playoff hopefuls apart from the Pelicans, ranked fifth to 12th in the standings (New Orleans is currently without Zion Williamson).
The LA Lakers have nine of their remaining 16 games at home. That number would technically be seven after excluding the away game against the LA Clippers on April 5, as the two teams play in the same building, and the atmosphere is equivalent to a home game.
With D'Angelo Russell likely back in the next game against the Raptors on Friday, the Lakers will be looking to extend their winning run and continue their steady rise up the standings and potentially seal a top-six seeding before the playoffs.