The NBA: How Will “The Lakers” Fare Before The Playoffs?

The NBA will resume with teams playing eight regular-season games, and the playoffs will start on August 17th. Various sportsbooks released a prop on the exact number of games that the Lakers can win. The most realistic returns are offered for 5 and 6 wins, as this is what sportsbooks have arrived at to be the most possible.

How is the Lakers Schedule?

Their last eight regular-season games appear to be more difficult than average. Of the 22 teams in the league, they have the fourth toughest schedule. The Heat, Raptors, and Nuggets face worse. Only one of their opponents has a losing record. This isn’t bad news for playoffs because they have a 5.5 game lead over the Clippers for first place in the Western Conference.
The team’s Lineup

Quite a few players opted out of playing this season, including Avery Bradley. For now, they have gotten JR Smith as a stand-in for Bradley, and another addition made before the season postponement was Dion Waiters. But both aren’t what Bradley is - he is a good scorer but his role lays mainly on the defense. He is one of the best perimeter defenders currently in the league - he was averaging 8.6 points in 24.2 minutes over 49 games. Rondo was Bradley’s backup at point guard, and he will be out too due to a fractured thumb. Let us take a look at each of the eight games remaining to determine how the Lakers will do.

Clippers vs. Lakers

The Clippers roster has had the time to rest and come back in full form, and they have a new addition - Joakim Noah. The Lakers will miss two important players. LeBron has been covering as the point guard, so that is one less thing to worry about. The Clippers are most likely to win this one.

Lakers vs. Raptors

The Raptors have always been underdogs but they have managed to beat the Lakers once this season already. Pascal Siakam is playing the best game of his life, and the Lakers don’t seem to compare. This is another loss.

Lakers vs. Jazz

The Jazz will miss Bojan Bogdanovic as he’s out due to wrist surgery. His position hasn’t been covered by any new signings. Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert are not on good terms, given the whole COVID-19 fiasco that eventually led to the NBA being suspended. This discord and one key person missing in their lineup should make it an easy win for the Lakers.

Thunder vs. Lakers

It almost feels like Thunder would not have made it this far after trading Paul George and Russell Westbrook. Despite a stronger team, they will not have Dennis Schroder’s consistency this time around. This should be an advantage for the Lakers to win.
Lakers vs. Rockets
The Rockets are stuck with their small-ball experiment because of how many people were moved around to implement the system. They also are in poor form while playing from beyond the arc. These issues need time to be resolved, and the Lakers are more cohesive, leading to their win.

Lakers vs. Pacers

The Pacers are easy opponents for the Lakers. The Pacers’ Victor Oladipo may not join them and Jeremy Lamb will be out with a knee injury. Lamb’s presence will be missed, as he was playing very well this season. The Pacers do have other talented players, but it doesn’t seem to be enough for the Lakers to be threatened.
Nuggets vs. Lakers

The Nuggets are in a horrible position currently. The team has had several coronavirus cases reported, and most of it has been kept confidential. The management is trying to avert negative press as much as possible, as it is difficult to determine how many players will be in form by the season’s start.

Only one of their players is known publicly to have contracted the virus - Nikola Jokic. He has fully recovered and is ready to play, but a majority of the team is currently on tenterhooks about their playing status. This uncertainty will only give the Lakers an upper hand to win.

Kings vs. Lakers

The Kings have a losing record but their recent record is quite good, at 7-3 after the All-Star break. That includes a win against the Clippers and the Trail Blazers. Their line up is strong, and 2 out of 3 of their players have recovered from coronavirus and are ready to play. The Kings will be out to play their best, but the Lakers should win this.