The Los Angeles Lakers got a much needed victory over the Denver Nuggets. Anthony Davis led the way with 25 points and the game saving block to seal the win. The Lakers had lost 6 of 7 games previously and looked uninspired in losses to the Sacramento Kings and the Toronto Raptors. The Lakers currently sit as the fifth seed in the Western conference. The problem is the Lakers are 1 game behind the Portland Trail Blazers for the 7th seed.
The 7th seed will put the Lakers in the play in tournament, where they would need to win one game against the 8th seed to secure the 7th playoff spot. This is an issue that the Lakers need to avoid at all costs. LeBron James is still not healthy from the high ankle sprain, he suffered in March. Anthony Davis is still finding his rhythm and confidence coming off the calf injury. The Lakers need to win at least 5 of the last 7 games remaining.
The Lakers have a huge game coming up against the Portland Trail Blazers, in which they can control their own destiny with a win. If the Lakers can hold on to the 5th or 6th seed, they can give LeBron James more time to heal his ankle and for the rest of the team to start clicking.
The Lakers schedule has 3 back to backs left and tough games against the Clippers, Suns, and New York Knicks. Can the Lakers win enough games to allow James to rest? We will find out in the next 7 games.
A healthy Lakers team can beat any team in the NBA, but will they be healthy enough in the postseason?
Featured Image: Aaron Olivar via Flickr
