Are the LA Lakers in the 2023 NBA Playoffs? Current status and chances to qualify for playoffs explored

Los Angeles Lakers v New Orleans Pelicans
LA Lakers star forward Anthony Davis

With just 13 games remaining this season, the LA Lakers are still on the outside looking in at the playoff picture. However, following their 123-108 win over New Orleans on Tuesday, LA is back in the final play-in spot in the Western Conference.

The Lakers were led by star forward Anthony Davis, who finished with 35 points and 17 rebounds on 61.1% shooting. Following the win, Davis spoke about how crucial it was for LA to secure the victory:

“It was very important for us, just for standing purposes, tiebreaker purposes and then getting back in the win column,” Davis said. "I just wanted to come out ultra-aggressive tonight, knowing how important this game was. Everybody did. We were playing the right way, playing great defensively and sharing the ball offensively, playing together and we were clicking on all cylinders."
youtube-cover

Explore the NBA Draft 2024 with our free NBA Mock Draft Simulator & be the GM of your favorite NBA team.

The Lakers (34-35, 10th in the West) are now just two games behind the fifth-seeded Golden State Warriors (36-33). However, they are also just three games ahead of the 13th-placed Portland Trail Blazers (31-38).

So even with just 13 games remaining, the Lakers still have a prime opportunity to gain some ground in the standings. Likewise, the team could still slip out of the play-in picture entirely.

youtube-cover

LA Lakers’ remaining schedule

LA Lakers guards D'Angelo Russell and Malik Beasley
LA Lakers guards D'Angelo Russell and Malik Beasley

As for the LA Lakers’ remaining schedule, it is working in their favor. Nine of LA’s final 13 games will come against teams below .500. This includes two games against Houston, two against Utah, and two against Chicago, as well as matchups with Dallas, Orlando, and OKC.

However, LA remains shorthanded as star forward LeBron James is still out indefinitely with a right foot injury. Meanwhile, Anthony Davis is set to miss the upcoming second half of the team’s back-to-back due to injury management for his right foot injury.

The shorthanded Lakers will be taking on Houston (16-52, 15th in the West) on Wednesday night.

youtube-cover

Also read: Anthony Davis reflects on not being able to play back-to-backs after being ruled out against Houston: "It's tough... It's still an active injury"

Los Angeles Lakers Fan? Check out the latest Lakers depth chart, schedule, and roster updates all in one place.

Quick Links

Edited by Diptanil
Sportskeeda logo
Close menu
WWE
WWE
NBA
NBA
NFL
NFL
MMA
MMA
Tennis
Tennis
NHL
NHL
Golf
Golf
MLB
MLB
Soccer
Soccer
F1
F1
WNBA
WNBA
More
More
bell-icon Manage notifications