Ahead of the start of the NBA, the Los Angeles Lakers were considered among the contenders to win the Championship along with Brooklyn Nets and reigning champions Milwaukee Bucks. But no one envisioned them struggling to remain in the playoff position at this point in the season.
The signing of star players like Russell Westbrook, Carmelo Anthony and other all stars raised the stock for the Purple and Gold army. People felt that the trio of LeBron James, Westbrook and Anthony Davis will dominate the NBA for seasons to come. But that, unfortunately, has not been the case for the Lakers this season as they are currently ninth in the Western Conference.
With every defeat, their chances of getting to the playoffs this season will become bleak. But the recent upsurge in form from LeBron may just push them to the playing this season. However, with some more consistency, they may still sneak into the playoffs but they have been majorly inconsistent so that fact cannot be taken for granted.
James has been the team’s most consistent player, averaging 29.4 points, 8.1 rebounds and 6 2 assists. he recently dropped a 56-point masterclass as he guided the Lakers to a fantastic win against Steph Curry’s Golden State Warriors. This win brought an end to a miserable four game losing streak for the Purple and Gold army.
On ESPN’s “First Things First,” Chris Broussard reacted to James’ sensational performance against the Warriors. He claimed the performance was superb but not shocking to him. Broussard blamed Anthony Davis, who is out injured, as he feels that with him present the Lakers would have a much better chance of winning the league this season.
“It was stunning to see the number 56, but not shocking,” Broussard said. “Watching him all year, you knew he was capable of this type of performance. I hate to be a downer and look at Anthony Davis. But with this LeBron James, if Anthony Davis was holding up his end of the bargain, they’d have a very good shot at winning the championship.”
The Lakers are currently ninth in the West with a record of 28-35. The New Orleans Pelicans in the tenth position with a record of 27-37 are also closing in on them. Their chances of securing an automatic playoffs spot look tough and even if they get one then their chances of getting eliminated in the first round look highly probable this season.
