For the first half of this NBA season, most people assumed the Los Angeles Lakers would miss the playoffs.
The team was in very bad shape, dysfunctional, and losing many games.
But they have turned things around lately, especially since the February trade deadline.
They are now on the verge of making the playoffs or at least the play-in games.
NBA writer Dave McMenamin tweeted about the current state of the Lakers, noting how they have secured the tenth and final play-in spot in the Western Conference following their win over the Utah Jazz on Tuesday night.
But they might not be done yet: they could climb as high as the fifth seed in the days ahead.
The Lakers clinched at least the 10th and final play-in spot in the Western Conference playoffs with tonight’s win. With three games remaining in the regular season, they could still finish as high as the 5th seed.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) April 5, 2023
Their shot at the fifth seed, currently held by the Golden State Warriors, is possible because things are so close in the West.
The Warriors have a 42-38 record while the Clippers and Lakers are tired at 41-38 and the New Orleans Pelicans are at 40-39, just ahead of the Minnesota Timberwolves’ mark of 40-40.
A lot can change in a short amount of time.
However, some fans of the Lakers are hoping their team makes it no higher than the sixth seed.
That is because the Phoenix Suns, who have won six games in a row and now have a healthy Kevin Durant, are the fourth seed.
Whichever team claims the fifth spot will face off against the Suns.
While any player on the Lakers’ roster will say they are up for the challenge of Durant and his new team, fans are pleading with them to make it to the sixth seed and then sit patiently for the playoffs.
NEXT:
LeBron James Is Pushing Himself Just To Reach The Postseason
