Like last season, the Los Angeles Lakers are reviving strongly in the sprint phase of the Regular Season, aiming to win the play-in spot as well as aiming for tickets to the Playoffs.
From the beginning of February until now, the Lakers are the team with the 3rd highest winning rate in the entire NBA (75%). They are on a 5-match unbeaten streak and have won 7 of the last 10 matches. The total record of the LA team is 41-32, ranked 9th in the Western rankings (as of the end of the series on March 29) and almost firmly holds the ticket to the play-in series for the 4 7th ranked teams, 8, 9 and 10.
In theory, the Los Angeles Lakers can dream of a position in the top-6 to ensure a Playoffs spot or at least rise to 7th place (Phoenix Suns, 43-30) and 8th place (Sacramento Kings, 42-30) to can be advantageous* for play-in series. However, this will require many pillars to endure pain while playing, including two top Lakers stars, LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Sharing priorities for the remaining time of the Regular Season, LeBron James emphasized that ensuring the best physical condition for the new pillars is something that needs to be focused on. “I need to be a little smart ,” LeBron James said. “If I’m not at my best or just close to my best, it’s not good for the team, no matter where we are in the rankings. ” .
Besides LeBron James, there is also Anthony Davis, who is also causing concern with an unfortunate knee injury that occurred a few days ago.
In the last two appearances, the Los Angeles Lakers alternately missed LeBron and Davis. However, coach Darvin Ham’s army still won 2 victories. In the first match without LeBron James, Austin Reaves and Davis transformed into two heroes, creating a top-notch 2-overtime comeback against the Milwaukee Bucks. In the most recent match when Anthony Davis was sidelined, Rui Hachimura (32 points, 10 rebounds) spoke up to join LeBron and his teammates in winning 2 consecutive days, maintaining an unbeaten streak.
Towards the end of his career, LeBron James is starting to show signs of age as he continuously experiences foot and ankle injuries. These injuries do not come from collisions but from overload during competition. Feeling uncomfortable in his feet was the reason why the “king” sat out the match against the Milwaukee Bucks. But then with an extra day of rest, he made a strong comeback with a triple-double of 23 points, 14 rebounds, 12. assists in victory over Memphis Grizzlies.
This is the “a bit tactical” approach that LeBron mentioned, gradually preparing him to unleash his strength in the play-in phase and, if he can go further, the Playoffs round.