Though they have not but clinched a postseason berth within the Western Conference with 4 video games ultimate, together with a Tuesday sport in Salt Lake City as opposed to the Utah Jazz, the Los Angeles Lakers nonetheless have their attractions set top.
They’re now not simply making an attempt to succeed in one of the vital most sensible six spots within the West to make the playoffs. They’re nonetheless enthusiastic about enjoying deep into June and making plans a parade.
“We just want to put ourselves in position to be able to compete for a championship,” Lakers big name LeBron James mentioned. “It’s a adventure and clearly, we should not have as a lot chemistry as numerous different groups which are seeking to compete for a championship or have aspirations to win a championship, however I really like what we have now been development over the past month. or so.
“These previous few video games … are essential for our group, now not simplest wins and losses however the chemistry facet as neatly. We need to proceed to construct what we have now been development over the past month or so. So we will see what occurs.
With one week left within the steady season, the Lakers (40–38) are a half-game at the back of the Los Angeles Clippers and Golden State Warriors (each 41–38) for the general two assured playoff spots. They’re tied with the New Orleans Pelicans within the 7th spot within the convention and want one win to clinch a minimum of a play-in alternative.
The Lakers have received 3 directly and 6 in their final seven. Anthony Davis scored 40 issues and James notched a triple-double with 18 issues, 11 assists and 10 rebounds in Sunday’s 134-109 win over Houston.
“We always say we want to get stronger as the season gets longer and be playing our best basketball at the right time,” Lakers trainer Darvin Ham mentioned. “Well, the time is definitely right and everybody’s in a good rhythm starting with (Davis) first and foremost. He understands wholeheartedly what we need him to do and he’s coming out and trying to do that.”
“Feeling good,” mentioned Davis, who has scored a minimum of 37 issues in 4 of his final 5 video games. “Feel like I’m back to myself before the injury. But we’re all playing well. The guys are making it easy for me.”
Although now not many anticipated the Jazz (36–42) to be ready to imagine the playoffs all through a rebuilding season, they nonetheless have a possibility to make the play-in match in spite of dropping six in their final seven video games, together with a 111- 110 loss Sunday in Brooklyn after rallying from 23 down.
“I love the competitiveness,” mentioned Jazz trainer Will Hardy. “I thought the guys dug in, stuck with it when they very easily could’ve folded at different times in the game.”
Utah has its paintings lower out to make postseason play. The Jazz are 1 1/2 video games at the back of tenth position Oklahoma City (38-41) and a half-game again of Dallas (37-42).
The Jazz and Lakers play two times this week because the groups jostle for playoff positioning. They will meet on Sunday in Los Angeles for his or her regular-season finale.
Former Los Angeles guard Talen Horton-Tucker, who performed the final 3 seasons with the Lakers, is on a tear. He’s scored 101 issues in his final 3 outings, together with 41 in a up to date win at San Antonio. He scored 15 of his 32 issues within the fourth quarter to steer the Jazz’s comeback strive on Sunday.