The Los Angeles Lakers have experienced a season marked by fluctuations, and now they find themselves in the lower echelon of playoff teams as they navigate through the post-All-Star break period.
They hold a 30-26 record and claim the 10th seed in the highly competitive Western Conference.
Demonstrating a positive trend, they have secured a 7-3 record in their last ten games and a three-game winning streak, suggesting that they are hitting a stride and establishing a favorable rhythm.
Despite recent positive developments, the Lakers may still face challenges in making the 2024 NBA Playoffs, primarily due to various factors.
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5 Reasons Los Angeles Lakers Will Not Make the 2024 NBA Playoffs
1. Tough competition in the play-in range
The competition within the Western Conference's play-in range (7th to 10th seed) is notably intense and full of star power, raising doubts about the Los Angeles Lakers' ability to secure a playoff spot this season.
If they maintain their position as the 9th seed, advancing through the play-in tournament could prove challenging.
At the All-Star break, the Dallas Mavericks, led by Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, occupy the seventh seed, while the Sacramento Kings, led by De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, hold the eighth seed.
Meanwhile, their rivals, the Golden State Warriors, currently stand as the tenth seed. The trio of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson for the Warriors is gradually finding their rhythm.
2. Age is starting to show
The Los Angeles Lakers' primary star, LeBron James, is the oldest active player in the NBA.
While maintaining an elite level of play at the age of 39, the inevitability of aging may eventually manifest despite efforts to stave it off.
Recently, he grappled with a left ankle injury during the All-Star weekend, leading to his absence in their upcoming crucial and high-profile game against the tenth-seed Golden State Warriors on Thursday, February 22. James has already sat out multiple games for rest and other minor injuries throughout the season.
On the other hand, the Lakers' other star, Anthony Davis, is not renowned for his durability. Although he has missed only four games thus far, the Lakers must remain vigilant about the potential for injuries impacting his availability.
3. They are losing winnable games
The Lakers have shown inconsistency on a nightly basis. On one occasion, they can defeat top-performing teams like the Boston Celtics, boasting the best record in the league.
However, in the same period, they have also suffered setbacks against lower-ranked teams such as the Houston Rockets and the Brooklyn Nets.
The variability in their performance makes it challenging to predict their quality and outcome in each game, and a playoff-caliber team must take those winnable games.
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