[halfdecayedParticipant]

Lakers are 11-4 in their last 15 games, only 2.5 half games behind houston.. What do you guys think about their chances in getting into the playoffs? I think it’s between the lakers, houston and Utah, haven’t checked who has the toughest schedule. Im a celtics fan, but I really want them to make the playoffs, not sure why though lol?

[WetalkinboutpracticeParticipant]

But both Houston and Utah are playing solid ball as well. If either of them are going to drop out I would probably say its the Jazz. Houston just has so much fire power. (and it would would probably be more exciting to watch them in a playoff series especially if its a Thunder vs. Rockets match up, considering the Harden deal)

[llperez]

It’s gonna be hard because the 8 teams ahead of them are all good and should continue to win. But 2.5 games out ain’t much. Just gotta ignore the standings and keep winning. Kobe had one of those mama there goes that man again games today carrying them. 38/12/8 over 50% shooting, dude was intense. I’m sure mark Cuban saying Kobe should be amnestied motivated him

[kingofbumsParticipant]

ppl need to rmbr that houston rockets have a tendency to play atrociously for the last 20 games or so and always fall off the map. yes yes, they are an entirely different team now but im just throwing it out there. i think it really comes down to the schedule they face. thats going to be the biggest factor.

[bobbybParticipant]

Oh you forgot one key point,,,,TMAC is gone

[kingofbumsParticipant]

tmac was gone last year…what is your point?

[Tyreke JohnsonParticipant]

The Lakers can sure compete for the 8th seed if they can string together a ton more wins, they have one of the easier schedules in the league for the remainder of the season, the only thing that should be a concern is injuries, with Gasol out, they are winning games and playing somewhat well but inserting Gasol back into the lineup remains an issue since Dantoni cannot figure out a way for him and Howard to co exist and play well off of each other. The Lakers success in the playoffs hinges upon its big men, Howard and Gasol need to be able to dominate at the same time on the floor. The Lakers chances of even getting through a crowded West remain bleak though, if they somehow squeeze into the playoff picture, they are running into either the Spurs or Thunder in the first round, who are more then likely to make quick work of them, they have much better offenses and can execute very well come playoff time, something the Lakers have been inconsistent with thus far.
Howard has been productive on the defensive end since the All Star Break and has emerged as a much better player then what he was in the first half which gives them hope but their bench also remains very inconsistent and weak. Howard and Kobe are playing a lot of minutes and I do not expect that to change considering how important every single game they play is. That fatigue could hurt them in the Playoffs especially when they will be playing a lot of minutes then too. Jordan Hill may have simply been just an energy player, but he provided good minutes and could allow for their big men to rest. Another issue is still their point guard play. Nash is helpful on offense but his defense is completely piss poor, guards like Parker, Westbrook, Lawson would absolutely wreak havoc on Nash, which hurts the Lakers when they are being dominated by opposing Point Guards. All in all, the Lakers need to really put together something quick if they want to A) make the Playoffs and B) follow through with Kobe’s words of them actually being a factor

[Lebron’s HairlineParticipant]

“@kobebryant Amnesty THAT”
I guess that’s why Kobe went off…

[r377Participant]

Everyone has wrote off the Mavs but if they had actually won that game they would of been 26-29 and the Lakers would of been 27-30.

There is still alot of bball to be played, they have approx 25-27 games left in the season. That is still a bit more than a quarter of the season left remaining….

[Ahkasi ClayParticipant]

if they make the Playoffs will because of the way Dwight is playing, kobe has started shooting to much again, so this win streak could vanish quickly!

[BothTeamsPlayedHardParticipant]

The Lakers went into this season with title expectations. Making the playoffs is not really saving face, especially when they probably couldn’t get to six games with San Antonio. They still don’t play good enough defense to be taken seriously even with the offensive play being better.

[KayjayParticipant]

Like I keep saying, they will get into the playoffs. I’d be shocked if they didn’t. The problem is, they will be outclassed by any team that they play against once they get there.

[Ghost01Participant]

I think it’s fairly foolish to say you’d be “shocked” if they missed the playoffs at this point. Houston and Utah are playing good ball, and are probably better well rounded teams and not as poor defensively as the Lakers.

[KayjayParticipant]

Than they deserve maybe. But Idk, its weird to say that Kobe Bryant can’t will them to the playoffs. And he does have help, yeah Pau was a blow and so was Jordan Hill. But they are still a threat to people on a nightly basis…idk man.

[Ghost01Participant]

I think it’s easy to say. Kobe can go off against the Mavs and other bad teams all he wants….what’s happening tonight? They are playing a good team, and they are getting beaten. I know Kobe is still very good. But he’s not quite as good as he used to be, and they are just so damn terrible defensively.

[Author]

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