The Los Angeles Lakers haven’t had the best 2022-23 NBA season, as they’ve had to endure a lot of things, including injuries, controversial trade rumors, and even some drama regarding their players and the people in the front office.
Nevertheless, they have managed to stay afloat and keep competing in the Western Conference. They’re currently ranking 13th in the standings, which would be bad for any other team. The Lakers, though, are just a couple of games away from the 6th spot in the West.
With a 19-23 record, they could see their situation change in the next two games. With a 21-23 record and a couple of losses from their rivals, the Lakers could go all the way up to the 6th position. The Oklahoma City Thunder, Portland Trail Blazers, Phoenix Suns, Utah Jazz, Los Angeles Clippers, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Golden State Warriors all rank ahead of the Lakers at this moment.
NBA Fans Don’t Buy The Lakers Hype
Legion Hoops recently brought up this fact, showing that even amid a tumultuous season, the Lakers still have chances to compete in the West and even avoid getting into the play-in tournament.
The Lakers are only two games behind the 6th seed in the West. 👀 pic.twitter.com/vOK4h0vMmr
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) January 15, 2023
This was met with a lot of criticism from fans who don’t think the Lakers have done too much to be getting hyped up. They are still at 13th on the leaderboard and until that doesn’t change, it doesn’t matter how close they are to higher spots.
what is the👀 for? we’re hyping up a team not getting in the play in?
— lor (@SwatByEmbiid) January 15, 2023
With 6 teams between them
— . (@TheNBACentral) January 15, 2023
It’s been tough but we hanging in there. #lakeshow pic.twitter.com/zW3XSCw4Vv
— D’Courtland Christian (DC) (@DCrealspill) January 15, 2023
That’s why we’re gonna go on a win streak soon 🙏🏽
— ²³𝙻𝚎𝙱𝚛𝚘𝚗𝚌𝚑𝚒𝚝𝚒𝚜🏀☄️🌎💞 (@BronGotGame) January 15, 2023
More difference than any other team between 12 and 6 btw (thunder are 1,5)
— coulant (@zrjiii) January 15, 2023
And the thunder are only 1.5 games behind the 6th seed, but you’re not gonna talk about that bc you’re a lakers fan
— 🏆🌩️° (@ThunderFanIsaac) January 15, 2023
Bro they the 13th seed
— New York Jets President (@_MoneyMolina) January 15, 2023
https://twitter.com/derekbryant90/status/1614699964684455936
too bad they're loosing tn lmaooo
— nik (@_nik76) January 15, 2023
But they've been in that position for the past couple of weeks.
It's now or never, before the All Star break
— Luis Fernando Atencio (@LuisAtencioP) January 15, 2023
Thunder better
— Dog (@dgtrix) January 15, 2023
For context pic.twitter.com/ff3yLg9EmA
— NorthSideMalone (@northsidemalone) January 15, 2023
https://twitter.com/EricPer42356077/status/1614702774477799424
LeBron to Vegas. New franchise. Drafts Bronny.
— LIGHT THE PATH (@light_thepath) January 15, 2023
And they’ve lost two in a row
— jacob (@JacobRose21) January 15, 2023
Losing to my Sixers tonight
— Leem (@ttpLeem) January 15, 2023
so are 6 other teams
— miguelsoccer_11 🇵🇸 (@smock171) January 15, 2023
y’all been saying this for the last month or so😭
— Trayy⛈ (@CFC_Trayy) January 15, 2023
https://twitter.com/BonitoTaino/status/1614720498843140096
The lakers are missing the playoffs for the 3rd time in 5 seasons.
— KashOut 💴 ⚡️ (@Top1Kapper) January 15, 2023
They suck who cares
— say word (@slappinwtomz) January 15, 2023
https://twitter.com/freehegritz/status/1614707139066449922
And the Thunder are 1.5 behind
— Grayson Wilbanks (@GraysonWilbanks) January 15, 2023
They’re on a losing streak
— Russell Alexander (@PutEmToBedShai) January 15, 2023
4 games under .500 lmao
— Dan Rodgers (@DanRodgers591) January 15, 2023
The Lakers are the most influential franchise in the NBA and whatever they do or don’t will always draw attention. This time, fans aren’t so sold on them going to the 6th spot, especially seeing the competition for that position. Then again, this team has shown that they can compete against anybody and when they have a fully healthy roster, it’ll be a real challenge for the rest of the West to beat them.
They have been linked with some trades recently, including Zach LaVine. They need to do something to improve their level and many think a trade is a must right now. Rumors have it that they are waiting to see if Damian Lillard or Bradley Beal become available for trade, which would allow them to compete next season and retain LeBron James.
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