Although they have not but clinched a postseason berth within the Western Convention with 4 video games remaining, together with a Tuesday recreation in Salt Lake Metropolis versus the Utah Jazz, the Los Angeles Lakers nonetheless have their sights set excessive.
They don’t seem to be simply attempting to succeed in one of many prime six spots within the West to make the playoffs. They’re nonetheless fascinated about taking part in deep into June and planning a parade.
“We simply need to put ourselves in place to have the ability to compete for a championship,” Lakers star LeBron James mentioned. “It is a journey and clearly, we do not have as a lot chemistry as numerous different groups which are attempting to compete for a championship or have aspirations to win a championship, however I like what we have been constructing during the last month or so.
“These previous couple of video games … are crucial for our crew, not solely wins and losses however the chemistry facet as properly. We need to proceed to construct what we have been constructing during the last month or so. So we’ll see what occurs.”
With per week left within the common season, the Lakers (40-38) are a half-game behind the Los Angeles Clippers and Golden State Warriors (each 41-38) for the ultimate two assured playoff spots. They’re tied with the New Orleans Pelicans within the seventh spot within the convention and want one win to clinch a minimum of a play-in alternative.
The Lakers have received three straight and 6 of their final seven. Anthony Davis scored 40 factors and James notched a triple-double with 18 factors, 11 assists and 10 rebounds in Sunday’s 134-109 win over Houston.
“We all the time say we need to get stronger because the season will get longer and be taking part in our greatest basketball on the proper time,” Lakers coach Darvin Ham mentioned. “Nicely, the time is unquestionably proper and everyone’s in a great rhythm beginning with (Davis) firstly. He understands wholeheartedly what we want him to do and he is popping out and attempting to do this.”
“Feeling good,” mentioned Davis, who has scored a minimum of 37 factors in 4 of his final 5 video games. “Really feel like I am again to myself earlier than the harm. However we’re all taking part in properly. The fellows are making it straightforward for me.”
Although not many anticipated the Jazz (36-42) to be ready to contemplate the playoffs throughout a rebuilding season, they nonetheless have a chance to make the play-in event regardless of shedding six of their final seven video games, together with a 111-110 loss Sunday in Brooklyn after rallying from 23 down.
“I really like the competitiveness,” Jazz coach Will Hardy mentioned. “I assumed the blokes dug in, caught with it after they very simply might’ve folded at completely different occasions within the recreation.”
Utah has its work minimize out to make postseason play. The Jazz are 1 1/2 video games behind tenth place Oklahoma Metropolis (38-41) and a half-game again of Dallas (37-42).
The Jazz and Lakers play twice this week because the groups jostle for playoff positioning. They’ll meet on Sunday in Los Angeles for his or her regular-season finale.
Former Los Angeles guard Talen Horton-Tucker, who performed the earlier three seasons with the Lakers, is on a tear. He is scored 101 factors in his final three outings, together with 41 in a current win at San Antonio. He scored 15 of his 32 factors within the fourth quarter to guide the Jazz’s comeback try Sunday.