The Los Angeles Lakers once found themselves on the outside looking into the Western Conference playoff picture. However, an impressive run down the stretch of the season could have them in prime position to make an impact this postseason.
Los Angeles came into Wednesday’s game against the Utah Jazz winning seven out of its last 10 games. However, the Lakers were given an extremely hard test by the Jazz.
The game would go to overtime and tied with just 34.8 seconds remaining. Star forward LeBron James then took things into his own hands, scoring on a clutch layup to take the lead.
Utah would have one chance to answer, but former Lakers forward Talen Horton-Tucker missed on a midrange chance to tie the game. This resulted in the Lakers dribbling the clock out and securing their fourth straight victory.
LeBron and the Lakers get it done in OT for a win in Utah! 🏀 pic.twitter.com/ylYtZJWDM6
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) April 5, 2023
The Lakers have been bottom dwellers in the Western Conference for much of the year. However, this recent stretch of great play has them as the seventh seed in the conference.
Many took to social media to offer their take on this recent stretch of hot play from Los Angeles.
The Lakers have won 7 of their last 8, 11 of their last 15, and are 16-7 since the trade deadline acquisitions made their debut on Feb. 11.
— Michael Corvo (@michaelcorvo_) April 5, 2023
The Lakers finishing the season *at least* .500 is nothing short of a miracle considering how their season began.
— Colb (@___Colb___) April 5, 2023
The Lakers have won four straight games and seven of eight. They’ve started their five-game road trip 4-0. https://t.co/qZPxDcaxeu
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) April 5, 2023
HEY @kevinwildes @Chris_Broussard… TAKE A GANDER AT THOSE STANDINGS! AS I PROMISED THE LAKERS WOULD BE ON APRIL 5TH! pic.twitter.com/UV9Kpvs5hN
— nick wright (@getnickwright) April 5, 2023
I feel like I've said this like three times this season, but THAT would've been the worst Lakers loss in a long, long time.
— Jason Smith (@howaboutafresca) April 5, 2023
It seems unbelievable that the Lakers are in this position near the end of the season considering their start to the year. They started the season at an abysmal 2-10 with some very clear chemistry issues.
A ton of credit has to be given to Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka for completely transforming this roster at the NBA trade deadline. He notably brought in players like Rui Hachimura, D’Angelo Russell, and Malik Beasley. All three are playing big roles down the stretch for the team.
Things also started to turn around once Russell Westbrook was traded by the organization, which was certainly addition by subtraction.
Regardless, the Lakers’ work is not done as they have potentially the biggest game of the year ahead of them on Wednesday night.
They are set to face off against the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday, who share the same record as them and hold a tiebreaker over them. A win would put them into the sixth seed and allow them to control their own destiny in potentially avoiding being part of the NBA play-in tournament.
