Kendrick Perkins didn't hold back when discussing the current state of the Los Angeles Lakers, asserting that even LeBron James himself is aware of the team's shortcomings. Despite the Lakers' recent three-game winning streak, Perkins remains skeptical about their ability to secure a playoff spot, suggesting that the scent of disappointment has lingered throughout the season.
"It's the old saying - you can smell doo-doo before you see it. We been smellin' doo-doo the whole season long when it comes down to the Lakers."
"First of all, they gotta get into the postseason... LeBron James don't even have expectations for this Lakers team. He knows that they trash. He knows they can't make any noise."
Using a colorful analogy, Perkins stated that the Lakers are essentially trash. He emphasized LeBron James' apparent lack of expectations for the team, labeling them as "trash" and incapable of making a significant impact in the postseason.
Perkins also dismissed any notions of joining the Lakers' hype train, highlighting the challenges they may face in securing a playoff berth, particularly in the play-in tournament. He pointed out potential matchups against teams like the Sacramento Kings and Dallas Mavericks, underscoring the Lakers' struggles against these opponents throughout the season.
Despite the Lakers' recent offensive prowess and positive momentum, as evidenced by their impressive win against the Indiana Pacers, Perkins remains cautious about their ability to maintain consistency. LeBron James echoed this sentiment, urging his teammates to remain focused and avoid overconfidence, especially during their upcoming critical road stretch.
As the Lakers prepare for their challenging road trip, the pressure is on for them to break their streak of failing to achieve a four-game winning streak this season. With the playoffs looming and the competition intensifying, LeBron James and the Lakers will need to rise to the occasion and overcome their inconsistencies to change their narrative and salvage their postseason hopes.
The Lakers Have An Outside Chance Of Reaching The Western Conference Finals
The Los Angeles Lakers find themselves in a precarious position as they aim to secure a spot in the Western Conference Finals despite their current 9th place standing with a record of 39-32. While they are 2.5 games behind the 8th-seeded Phoenix Suns and 3 games behind the Dallas Mavericks and Sacramento Kings in 7th and 6th place respectively, their chances are not entirely bleak.
The Lakers have an outside chance of climbing into the top 6, given that the teams ahead of them face tougher schedules down the stretch. With the Suns facing the hardest remaining schedule in the league, the Lakers could capitalize on their opponents' difficulties and leapfrog them in the standings.
However, the Lakers' postseason success hinges on their first-round matchup. If they face the Denver Nuggets, a team that has dominated them with eight consecutive victories, their playoff journey could be short-lived. But if they draw opponents like the Oklahoma City Thunder or the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Lakers stand a good chance of advancing, as they match up well against these teams.
Looking ahead to the second round, avoiding the Nuggets is crucial for the Lakers. Against other potential opponents, they have a favorable outlook and could progress further in the playoffs.
Ultimately, the Lakers' aspirations for the NBA Finals may hinge on the fate of the Nuggets. If Denver fails to make it, the Lakers would find themselves in a favorable position to capitalize on the opportunity and advance deep into the postseason. However, they must navigate their matchups wisely and maintain their form to maximize their chances of reaching the conference finals.
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