With just two games left on the season, the Lakers entered Friday’s match against the Grizzlies hungry for a win. Despite fierce resistance from the Grizzlies, which led to a dogfight in the second half, the Lakers were able to pull away with a 123-120 win and put themselves in a position to finish as high as 8th in the West.
Once again, Anthony Davis was the hero of the night for Los Angeles. He dropped a double-double in the game with 36 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 blocks while the King dropped 37 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists on 65% shooting. Davis has been on fire during this final stretch of the season and his strong play is one of the many things that makes the Lakers so dangerous right now.
On X, the sense among Lakers fans was more relief than anything else. With the standings so tight right now, any loss could have major consequences on the postseason. So the fact that the Lakers let the game get this close and are showing such minimal effort this late into the season is a worrying sign, to say the least.
While some fans expressed optimism after the win, there were even more who felt frustrated over how the Lakers are entering the playoffs. While the team has looked pretty solid over their last 10 games, their flaws have been exposed to a heightened degree and most fans can agree there are things to be concerned about.
The Lakers’ final game is against the Pelicans on Sunday and that could be their biggest one of the season. If they can steal a win against New Orleans, it could be the edge they need to avoid having to win two play-in games on the road.
Los Angeles Lakers Are In Full Playoff Mode
After an up-and-down season, the Lakers only have themselves to blame for their current situation. Had they gotten their act together sooner, the Lakers might have picked up a few extra wins, which makes up the difference between several positions in the West.
But there's no going back now for the Lakers and Anthony Davis said himself that he’s not too worried about seeding after last year’s miraculous run to the West Finals.
Now that the postseason is nearly here, the real work can begin for the Lakers and it will take a massive effort to overcome the odds stacked against them.
Even if they do advance to the first round, they’ll be set for a matchup against either the Denver Nuggets or Minnesota Timberwolves, both teams that play strong and with a lot of size on the interior.
At 10th in the West, many fans and experts are ready to write off the Purple and Gold this season but they’ve shown before what they can do at full strength and tonight was another reminder of why they can never be truly counted out.
More must-reads: