The LA Lakers’ hard-fought 123-120 road victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday keeps them in the running for seventh place in the Western Conference playoff standings.
The Lakers, led by superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis, prevailed despite a valiant effort by the Grizzlies, improving their record to 46-35 and giving them a strong chance to secure a favorable position in the play-in round.
In the victory, Davis finished with 36 points, 14 rebounds, and two blocks while James finished with 37 points, nine rebounds, and five assists. With one game remaining in the regular season, here is where the LA Lakers stand in the postseason race.
Standings for the LA Lakers playoff scenario
The Lakers’ victory over the Grizzlies on Friday propelled them to sole eighth place, while the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings, who both have 45-35 records, are still in action against different opponents.
Additionally, they set themselves up to take seventh place, which is presently occupied by the Phoenix Suns (47-33), who were also playing the Kings on Friday, should they win their final game and the Suns lose their final games against the Minnesota Timberwolves and Sacramento. Obtaining homecourt advantage over the No. 8 team in the Play-In Tournament would also come with finishing in seventh place.
Los Angeles Lakers Playoffs Schedule
The Los Angeles Lakers must defeat the New Orleans Pelicans (48-32) in order to attempt to clinch the eighth position in the Western Conference going into the Play-In Tournament.
It will be more difficult said than done, though, since the Pelicans also want to win as many games as they can in order to guarantee their place in the top six and the corresponding postseason slot.
On Friday, the Pelicans were taking on the Warriors.
The clubs chasing the Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State and Sacramento, will play the Utah Jazz (30-50) and the Portland Trail Blazers (21-59) in their last regular-season games on Sunday.
LA Lakers Playoffs Prospects: The squad is assured no matter where it is seeded.
The Lakers are certain that they will win the game regardless of where they finish in the positioning, even though they are focused on getting into the best possible place in the Play-In Tournament.
In an interview with ESPN’s Dave McMenamin on Friday, nine-time All-Star Anthony Davis emphasized this, saying they are now more concerned with winning in the Play-In than with where they finish up going into it.
(Bleacher Report) He stated:
