Brian Windhorst makes season speculations for LA Lakers after LeBron James' 43-point performance: “LeBron is keeping them in this”

LeBron James and the LA Lakers have been somewhat disappointing this season, which is why most fans have already written them off from the playoffs. ESPN's Brian Windhorst broke down where the Lakers could end up once the 2022-23 NBA season is over.

James has done everything he can to make the team relevant again, despite the lack of help right now. His All-Star partner Anthony Davis is still out after suffering a foot injury last month.

Windhorst shared his two cents on the Lakers' season and how far James can take his team. For Windy, he views the team finishing the season with a chance to be in the postseason via the play-in tournament.

"I know that this feels like it's a bad spot for the Lakers right now, because Anthony Davis has been out and they've dropped some of the games they've had at home in December," Windhorst said.

"I think there's some rays of sunshine. They're not headed for greatness this year, but Anthony Davis is feeling better. They've gotten through this stretch way better than I thought they would, considering he's been out. And LeBron is keeping them in this.

"And I know that 'in this,' might just mean a play-in spot, but this team getting to a play-in spot would be a great accomplishment this year. He always squeezes the most he can out of his team, and maybe the most he can get out of this team is the play-in, but he's doing it."

The Lakers (16-21) are trying hard to be contenders, however, their team isn't built accordingly. But pursuing a play-in spot could be a more viable goal for the 2020 champs.

They're currently on a two-game win streak and will try to get their third straight win against the Miami Heat (20-18) on Friday night.

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With LeBron James listed as questionable for Friday's game, the Lakers could lose against the Heat

LA Lakers forward LeBron James

Just as things are slowly getting better for the Lakers, they're once again being bitten by the injury bug. The team is already shorthanded in the absence of Davis, but they could be without LeBron James for Friday night's bout. Additionally, he isn't the only player being monitored in the injury report.

The four-time MVP is listed as questionable as he deals with left ankle soreness. This could have the effect of him playing extensive minutes in the past few games. Lonnie Walker IV is also questionable for the game against the Heat as he deals with left knee soreness.

Russell Westbrook could also miss the game with left foot soreness. The Lakers have Westbrook as probable, but could potentially change. After all, they have a full day to recover before going into action again. Davis, of course, remains out with a foot injury.