NBA Reddit reacts to Lakers reaching 18 wins six games earlier than last season: "Podcaster upstaged Darvin Ham"

The LA Lakers are in a better position now with an 18-13 win-loss record compared to last year, when it took them six more games to reach 18 wins.

The Lakers have also made themselves into one of the dark horses in the Western Conference, currently sitting in the fifth spot with just 3.5 games behind the second seed.

After their most recent win against the Sacramento Kings on Saturday, the Lakers have won six of their last eight games as they rebounded from a three-game losing streak early in December.

“Through 31 games, the Lakers are 18-13 - a mark they didn’t reach until six games later last season (18-19). This is despite having nearly the same roster, with more injuries, competing in a tougher Western Conference, LeBron a year older, and both him and AD playing in the Olympics,” a post from Reddit said.

Through 31 games, the Lakers are 18-13 - a mark they didn’t reach until six games later last season (18-19). This is despite having nearly the same roster, with more injuries, competing in a tougher Western Conference, LeBron a year older, and both him and AD playing in the Olympics. byu/NoobGaijin innba

With the Lakers’ current standing, NBA fans could not help but compare last season’s position to this year. These fans went to the original Reddit post to express their thoughts on the team’s current standing in the league and their expectations going forward.

One fan pointed out the head coaching change in the offseason as JJ Redick took over the role of Darvin Ham last season.

“I hope Lakers go deep in the playoffs so that we can say a podcaster upstaged Darvin Ham.”

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“Post deadline lakers should be fun to watch. If they go on a little streak here and position themselves properly + Make a move? Bron notoriously picks it up in the second half ( See 2018 ) & they could very well be a top 4 seed,” another fan said.

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“They have slightly better coaching, but they are roughly performing the same,” another fan said.

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Other fans chose to be pessimistic about the Lakers' future, emphasizing that the conference has become better this year. Some others said that the team has only played against mostly non-contending teams so far.

“They're 18-13 with the point differential of a 13-18 team, they're just on the good side of fortune right now,” said one fan.

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“Hot take: the west was better last year,” another fan said.

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“Lots of close wins in those 18, feels like we should be closer to 14-14,” a Lakers fan said.

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The Lakers started 6-2 but have lost three straight games twice this season so far. The team was also not afraid to make drastic changes to their rotation, notably benching D’Angelo Russell after starting games early in the season.

Lakers linked with numerous players ahead of trade deadline

The Lakers have been in constant trade rumors early in the season, considering they have numerous expiring contracts and a few injuries in their roster.

Washington Wizards center Jonas Valanciunas has been linked to the Lakers since he was eligible to be traded. LA needs to have another center with the injuries of Jaxson Hayes and Christian Wood.

Among other stars said to be targets for the Lakers are De’Aaron Fox and Zach Lavine, with the hopes of adding more offensive power for LA’s playoff push.