The Los Angeles Lakers are coming into a important time of their schedule after the All-Star break. With simply 23 video games remaining within the common season, the Lakers are 5 video games below .500 (27-32) and have a seven-game stretch the place they’ll play all Western Conference foes, beginning with the Golden State Warriors, Thursday night time. First-year head coach Darvin Ham spoke on Wednesday in regards to the group’s purpose and what they’re striving for on this stretch run.

“Yeah, the purpose is for us to come back out and attempt to be one of the best model of ourselves every recreation, however undoubtedly, if we are able to go and safe a spot, that’s our purpose proper there,” Ham mentioned. “If we fall right into a play-in scenario, so be it. However our No. 1 purpose is to go safe a spot [and] not simply throw video games off right here or there [and] simply want for a play-in. We wish to go safe a spot.”

Over the subsequent seven video games, L.A. will play Golden State twice, Dallas, Memphis twice, Oklahoma Metropolis, and Minnesota. All these groups are at present forward of the Lakers within the standings. Proper now, Los Angeles is two video games out of the final play-in spot occupied by the Thunder. The Lakers and Thunder sq. off on March 1 in OKC, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is in search of some payback on LeBron James after he blocked his dunk try within the All-Star recreation.

It’s good to listen to Ham hold it actual in his expectation for this Lakers squad, however placing this plan into movement is way simpler mentioned than achieved. James has performed in a single recreation since setting the brand new all-time scoring file over two weeks in the past. It’s humorous how he participated in that recreation simply earlier than the All-Star break towards New Orleans. Should you purchase this harm ankle crap, extra energy to you. However it clearly wasn’t dangerous sufficient that he couldn’t have performed in these video games instantly following his passing of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar within the file books.

Want greater than LeBron

At this level, Ham can’t depend on LeBron to play each recreation, whether or not injured or not, and we’ve by no means actually been in a position to depend on the well being of Anthony Davis. All of the commerce deadline strikes on this planet gained’t quantity to something with out these two within the lineup. Bringing D’Angelo Russell again to L.A. will assist so long as there aren’t any digital camera telephones round him within the locker room. The addition of Russell is a pleasant pickup and creates a terrific third possibility who knocks down open pictures. However with out Bron and AD on the ground persistently, the percentages of the Lakers making a playoff push are slim.

In fact, each group want to keep away from the one-game state of affairs of the play-in, however realistically that is one of the best wager for LA. James continues to be nice when he’s on the market however wants extra assist than ever earlier than, and rightfully so. It’s robust although when the principle man tasked with serving to hardly ever performs. The chances of the Lakers profitable sufficient video games to leap into the highest six within the west are about nearly as good as Stephen A. Smith not saying one thing egregious the subsequent time he’s on air. Or SAS being invited to a Rihanna fan celebration. It’s not taking place.

Los Angeles must win at the least 5 of the subsequent seven video games to make up any important floor within the standings. Their stars must play. This group isn’t deep sufficient to overlook both star for a substantial period of time, as we’ve seen since they gained the bubble championship in 2020. Good luck, Lakers. You’re definitely going to want it.