A Quick Hit: Lakers Making a Push
The Purple ‘n Gold, revamped with new trade deadline acquisitions, have their sights set on getting back into the playoff mix.
The push officially began after the Lakers sent the likes of Russell Westbrook, Kendrick Nunn, Patrick Beverly packing in exchange for players who actually have a positive impact on winning. Rob Pelinka, derided by Lakers fans sports writers, and talking heads locally and nationally, resurrected his credibility as fast as Thanos could snap his fingers by swinging a few deals that brought in dudes like Rui Hachimura, D’Angelo Russell, Malik Beasely, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Mo Bamba. These are guys that play defense, rebound, can run the court, and can shoot.
Since then, the Lakers have gone 4–1 including two wins against the defending champs and one impressive comeback win (the biggest comeback win this season in the NBA) this afternoon against the Mavericks. At #11 in the Western Conference, they’re still 1 game behind the Pelicans for the 10th seed, and they’re only a couple of games back from the 6th seed, with around twenty-two games left to play. Do the news guys make a difference?
Earlier in the season (actually, on the very night this season tipped-off), I published my only contribution to NBA season commentary. It was a wildly provocative piece that had me making the safest picks I could for the NBA Finals (Clippers vs. 76ers), while also making the bold prediction that if Anthony Davis could stay healthy and play with some damn fire, the Lakers would make the playoffs. That was with the bullshit roster they had to start the season. They’ve since upgraded and improved, but I’m still putting this all on AD’s shoulders. Even with the new additions and the old version of LeBron out playing like it’s 2007, the Lakers will only go as far as AD can take them. Whether he wants it or not, the team is his, and he leads the charge on the court. He is unstoppable when he wants to be, and he can get big stops when he needs to.
I’ll double-down on the Lakers making the playoffs if they are healthy, but I’m not sure if there’s enough time left in the season to clinch a 6th seed or better. Things would have to bounce their way, but at least now it feels like they have a chance to beat any opponent they face.
Love the new look for the team and the new energy they play with.
