The Los Angeles Lakers are entering one of the most grueling stretches of their season, with 5 back-to-backs in their final 17 games. As they attempt to stay in the top six of the Western Conference, they will need to navigate an exhausting schedule filled with playoff-level competition while also managing injuries to key players like LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
Currently, the Lakers sit at 40-25, but after losing four straight games, they have fallen from second to fifth in the standings. This is particularly concerning because the Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves are closing in on them, with both teams sitting just 2.5 games behind.
The Lakers must avoid slipping into the play-in tournament, but with their brutal upcoming schedule, this will be easier said than done.
Their final stretch includes matchups against:
– March 16 – vs. Phoenix Suns
– March 17 – vs. San Antonio Spurs
– March 19 – vs. Denver Nuggets
– March 20 – vs. Milwaukee Bucks
– March 22 – vs. Chicago Bulls
– March 24 – @ Orlando Magic
– March 26 – @ Indiana Pacers
– March 27 – @ Chicago Bulls
– March 29 – @ Memphis Grizzlies
– March 31 – vs. Houston Rockets
– April 3 – vs. Golden State Warriors
– April 4 – vs. New Orleans Pelicans
– April 6 – @ Oklahoma City Thunder
– April 8 – @ Oklahoma City Thunder
– April 9 – @ Dallas Mavericks
– April 11 – vs. Houston Rockets
– April 13 – @ Portland Trail Blazers
This stretch includes six games against teams currently in the top four of their conference, making their margin for error extremely thin. With 10 back-to-backs in this span, fatigue and injuries will play a massive role in determining how the Lakers finish the season.
The Timberwolves (currently 7th in the West) have the 28th toughest remaining schedule, meaning they will likely finish strong. Meanwhile, the Warriors (8th in the West) have the 11th toughest schedule, so they are also in a position to climb the standings. If the Lakers struggle, they could quickly find themselves in a three-way battle for the final playoff spots.
The biggest priority for the Lakers should be not rushing LeBron James back from his groin injury. He has missed multiple games recently, and while his presence is crucial, bringing him back too soon could backfire if he reinjures himself before the playoffs. The same applies to Luka Doncic, who has battled calf and ankle injuries.
Additionally, Rui Hachimura, Dorian Finney-Smith, Gabe Vincent, and Jaxson Hayes are all currently injured. The Lakers must be careful about their return timelines and ensure they are healthy for the final stretch before the playoffs.
The Lakers have the 6th toughest schedule remaining, which is a major obstacle. Their best hope is to win at least 10 games, keep their stars healthy, and avoid overworking James and Doncic. If they win 11-12 games, they should comfortably secure a playoff spot. Anything less than 9 wins, and they will likely find themselves fighting for survival in the play-in tournament.
With only a few weeks left in the regular season, every game counts. The Lakers will have to push through exhaustion and adversity to keep their championship aspirations alive.
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