Western Conference NBA Playoff Picture: Lakers Stay in Contention
Lakers Keep Playoff Hopes Alive
The Los Angeles Lakers' victory over the Golden State Warriors on Friday night kept their playoff hopes alive. Led by LeBron James' relentless attacking, the Lakers eliminated the Warriors 122-101.
The Lakers now sit at 31-49, tied for the ninth seed in the Western Conference with the Sacramento Kings. The Lakers own the tiebreaker over the Kings, however, based on their head-to-head record. To avoid the play-in tournament, the Lakers need to finish ahead of the Kings. They can clinch a playoff berth if they win their final two games of the season and the Kings lose at least one of their remaining three games.
Key Matchups
The Lakers' remaining two games are against the Phoenix Suns and the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Suns have already clinched the sixth seed in the Western Conference, while the Thunder are out of playoff contention.
The Kings' remaining three games are against the Denver Nuggets, the Utah Jazz, and the New Orleans Pelicans. The Nuggets and the Jazz are both playoff teams, while the Pelicans are out of playoff contention.
Playoff Scenarios
The Lakers' playoff scenarios depend on the outcomes of their remaining games and the Kings' remaining games. The Lakers can clinch a playoff berth with:
- A win over the Suns and a loss by the Kings to the Nuggets
- A loss to the Suns and two losses by the Kings
- A win over the Thunder and two losses by the Kings
- A loss to the Thunder and three losses by the Kings
Potential Playoff Opponents
If the Lakers make the playoffs, they will likely face the Phoenix Suns in the first round. The Suns have the best record in the Western Conference and are the top seed in the playoffs.
Other potential playoff opponents for the Lakers include the Memphis Grizzlies, the Golden State Warriors, and the New Orleans Pelicans. The Grizzlies are the second seed in the Western Conference, while the Warriors are the third seed and the Pelicans are the seventh seed.
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