Can The Lakers Actually Make The Playoffs?

The Lakers won their third game in a row Tuesday over the New Orleans Pelicans. (Mine as well get used to calling them the Pelicans and to all the haters is the Hornets much better?) The Lakers have clearly shown a philosophic change in their wins over Pistons, Thunder, and Pelicans. They have shown a slowed down pace that is beneficial for this veteran roster. Kobe Bryant has taking over the reigns as the main orchestrator of the offense from Steve Nash. Kobe has had 39 assists during this three game winning streak. The most he's ever had over three games in any point of his career. Steve Nash one of the greatest shooters of all time is playing efficient off the ball in his shooting guard role. Paul Gasol is starting to resemble the player that gave Team USA all it could handle this summer in London. And Dwight Howard who I bashed as early as last week has looked more emotionally committed and has kept his public comments this past week team oriented. So can the Lakers actually make the playoffs?

 

With the Spurs, Thunder, Clippers, Grizzlies, Warriors, and Nuggets all but locks for the playoffs. That would leave the Rockets, Trail Blazers, and Jazz to battle it out with the Lakers for the remaining two playoff spots. Currently the Rockets and Jazz are in the lead with same winning percentage with records of 25-22 and 24-21 respectively. The Trail Blazers sit at 23-22 in ninth in the conference. That leaves the Lakers currently four games out of a playoff spot at 20-25.

When you take a look at the schedules the Lakers will have to play 21 road games as opposed to 16 home games the rest of the way. Their road games begin with their seven game trip starting tomorrow in Phoenix against the Suns. If the Lakers want any shot at making the playoffs they really need to go 5-2 on this road trip. The Trail Blazers have to play three more times on the road than at home in the Rose Garden. The Rockets have an equal number of home road games and the Jazz have the easiest route as they will have four more home games than road the rest of the season. Strength of schedule wise, the Rockets have the toughest road remaining with more games left against the premier teams than any of the four. The Jazz mean while not only have more home dates than any of the four, but also have the easiest slate ahead of them as well.

 

The Trail Blazers have gotten superb play from rookie Damian Lillard who is on his way to Rookie of the Year honors. He has shown the poise and explosiveness that could one day make him an All Star in the NBA. Speaking of All Stars LaMarcus Aldridge was named to the team for his second time this year, even though I feel Marc Gasol was a much more deserving candidate this year. While they have also had better than expected years from Nicholas Batum and JJ Hickson, I feel that they are still need a year more of Lillard progression to his game before making the playoffs.

The Jazz's outstanding front court talent and depth has been the main reason for their success this season. Al Jefferson is averaging 17 PPG and 9.6 RPG this season. Paul Millsap has played well starting all 45 games for the Jazz at power forward this year. Then there's the young and talented Derrick Favors and Enes Kanter who both look ready for more minutes than the Jazz can currently provide. They could use some of that depth to acquire a play making wing player as the Jazz's roster is currently devoid of one. They are currently starting Jamaal Tinsley, Randy Foye, and Marvin Williams. How any of those players are starting in the NBA let alone all three together is just astonishing.

The Rockets have been as exciting as any team to watch this season with James Harden showing he is worth every bit of the 80 million dollar extension the Rockets signed him too after acquiring the Olympian from the Thunder. Omer Asik acquired this summer from the Bulls has shown he can flourish as starter and dominant rebounder is the NBA. Also have had good years turned in by Marcus Morris, Jeremy Lin, and Chandler Parsons. The Rockets problem is they don't offer much depth after those five which could be a problem as the season winds down and the grind of an 82 game schedule begins to take its toll.

 

The Lakers clearly have the superior talent of the four teams but also have the most ground to make up. With Kobe becoming the main facilitator of the offense with his pass first approach the Lakers look much more cohesive and explosive. The Trail Blazers despite having ROY Damian Lillard are still at least a year away from the playoffs. Despite front court depth and favorable schedule, lack of offensive creator on wing will haunt Jazz in late game situations. So, Yes the Lakers will make the playoffs as the eighth seed with the Rockets taking the seventh seed. It's an uphill battle the rest of the way but I just don't see the Jazz or Trail Blazers keeping these Kobe pass first Lakers from the playoffs.