What are LA Lakers' playoff chances for 2023 as they sit at 13th spot in Western Conference?

The LA Lakers’ playoff chances for 2023 are looking thin as the season progresses and other teams start to ramp up their intensity. Despite making moves during the trade deadline, the Lakers haven't done anything major to make a difference in their season.

During the trade deadline, the team finally made a move to get rid of Russell Westbrook and receive D'Angelo Russell back. Fans thought that this was the key to the Lakers' success this season, which would propel the squad to becoming a legitimate title contender.

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Adrian Wojnarowski

@wojespn

ESPN Sources: The Lakers are finalizing deal to land Minnesota’s D’Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley and Jarred Vanderbilt in trade including Mike Conley and picks to Timberwolves and Russell Westbrook and a lightly protected 2027 LA first-round pick to Jazz.

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ESPN Sources: The Lakers are finalizing deal to land Minnesota’s D’Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley and Jarred Vanderbilt in trade including Mike Conley and picks to Timberwolves and Russell Westbrook and a lightly protected 2027 LA first-round pick to Jazz.

But in reality, Los Angeles was so deep into the standings that it could already be too late for them to save their season. They're currently in the 13th spot this season in the standings. It will be difficult for the team to start collecting more wins this season, even with new players surrounding their superstars.

To add to that, LeBron James' health has started to dwindle and has missed his third straight game this season.

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Bleacher Report

@BleacherReport

LeBron James is reportedly "severely struggling" with his foot injury, which may be something that "lingers all season long," per B/R's @ChrisBHaynes on the #thisleague UNCUT podcast

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LeBron James is reportedly "severely struggling" with his foot injury, which may be something that "lingers all season long," per B/R's @ChrisBHaynes on the #thisleague UNCUT podcast https://t.co/WueVptgzI4

The Lakers could miss another postseason action with how they've performed this season. But at least this time, they made an effort to try and improve their situation. The West has gotten tougher and Los Angeles were just a bit too late in improving their situation.

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The LA Lakers' playoff chances for 2023 could still be alive if they go on a long win streak

The team's season isn't surprising, given the fact that they haven't done anything to move the needle. The only way the could return to the postseason is if they go on a win streak right now. Teams like the Utah Jazz, Portland Trail Blazers and Oklahoma City Thunder are all trying to make a push, which could be a huge challenge for the Lakers.

All of the teams mentioned, including the Lakers, are all gunning for the Play-In spot this season. Let's also not forget that the New Orleans Pelicans, Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors are also after a Play-In spot.

Rob Perez

@WorldWideWob

With this loss, the Lakers will fall 2 games (3 losses) back of 12th place OKC who owns the tiebreaker over them. In addition, LA now splits the season series with the 11th place Blazers, who are 7 wins clear of them in the next tiebreaker (conference record). 24 games to play.

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With this loss, the Lakers will fall 2 games (3 losses) back of 12th place OKC who owns the tiebreaker over them. In addition, LA now splits the season series with the 11th place Blazers, who are 7 wins clear of them in the next tiebreaker (conference record). 24 games to play.

The only way the Lakers can make a return to the postseason is if they go on a ten-game win streak. They are currently 26-32 this season, and an additional ten wins could increase Los Angeles' chances of competing in the playoffs.

It would be hard for them to make this push. James' health has started to dwindle and no one knows how long Anthony Davis will be able to stay healthy.

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