Despite having one of the best records in the NBA, post-trade deadline, the Los Angeles Lakers’ spot in the playoffs is up in the air. They are currently 7th in the Western Conference and could get as high as fifth but also finish as low as 10th. That type of volatility makes each of the teams’ remaining games matter more.
If the Lakers win out, then they could avoid the play-in tournament but could have to face the Phoenix Suns in the first round. If they lose one or two games, then they could have an even tougher route via the play-in tournament. The Lakers could, of course, choose their own path, but they will need their stars to be healthy for the playoffs.
LeBron James’ injury status for the Lakers’ game at the Clippers on April 5th
James only recently came back from a leg injury but was forced to log big minutes in the team’s overtime win against the Utah Jazz on April 4th. With the Lakers’ playing the second half of a back-to-back against the Clippers, they may choose to sit James and play it safe. However, he is not officially listed on the injury report.
Los Angeles’ full injury report
James may join Mo Bamba and D’Angelo Russell in sitting out the Lakers’ game against the Clippers. Both Bamba and Russell are listed as out with a foot and an ankle injury.
Los Angeles Lakers upcoming games
The Lakers have just three games remaining in the regular season and may prioritize the health of their star player over playoff seeding. Of course, if James does indeed play against the Clippers, the Lakers’ chances of climbing in the standings increase dramatically, particularly with both Los Angeles teams having identical records. A win against the Clippers would help ensure that they finish sixth or better in the West. Here are the Lakers’ remaining games:
Wednesday, April 5th, at Clippers 10:00 p.m.
Friday, April 7th, Phoenix 10:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 9th, Utah-3:30pm
Overall, while James does not appear on the injury report, he still may not play against the Clippers. If he does, however, then Los Angeles has a chance to make up ground in the Western Conference standings.
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Author: Cal Durrett
April 5, 2023 | 9:00 am
