LOS ANGELES – As competitive as the LeBron James-less Los Angeles LakersLooked at Wednesday's loss of 126 to 121 to the Philadelphia 76ersThe loss only increased the stakes for their next scheduled game, which is on Sunday against the opponent. New Orleans Pelicans.
L.A. currently ranks No. 9 in the Western Conference standings, with nine games left, and the Pelicans remain hot on their tails, only a half-game back in No. 10.
Sunday's game could help the Lakers maintain their lead, and allow them to host the Pelicans for the 9-10 play in game. It could also make the Lakers the team playing behind, desperate to hold onto the last play-in spot and be rewarded by going on the road to play it.
“It's going be a playoff-type atmosphere for us because It's definitely an must-win for our group,” he said. Russell WestbrookJames was out against the Sixers and he had 24 points, nine boards, eight assists, and seven turnovers.
James, who was forced to withdraw Wednesday due to soreness of his left knee, will now have six days off before the New Orleans game.
If he feels good enough, he will be there. L.A. hopes to continue the momentum it has created, going 2-2 in its previous four games. In those four games, the Lakers found an offensive rhythm and gave 25 assists or more.
“We're making progress,” Lakers coach Frank Vogel said. “We're creating habits that are going win for us in postseason.” We are still learning. This game was disappointing for us. Without Bron, there is no Bron. [Anthony Davis]The group that played tonight proved that there is still a lot of fight in us.
L.A. beat New Orleans 28 times the last time James was in the lineup. It was part L.A.’s post-All-Star break slump when it went 2-9, with four losses by 20 or more points — and failed to find any kind of footing.
However, the Lakers have been on a minor upswing. They beat Toronto and Cleveland on the roads and played Washington and Philadelphia down the wire. This has kept the team optimistic.
“I'm not going to give up,” he said. Dwight HowardOn Wednesday, he scored 24 points which was the highest number of points he's ever scored in a game since Nov. 16, 2018 “I don’t think anyone feels that the season is over. We will do everything we can to make it a success. It hasn't been the season we all wanted. We took a long time to find our groove, but we have no choice but to keep going and stay positive.
L.A. would be closer to losing to New Orleans if it loses. Only two games separate No. 11 San Antonio, after the Spurs beat them Portland Trail BlazersOn Wednesday, 133-96. Two more games remain for the Spurs against the Blazers.
This will be an extended tournament to allow the Lakers to play in the final play-in.
Vogel expressed optimism about the future task, saying that “hopefully our collective playoff experience will prove to be worth it.”
