Lakers: Is Sixth Seed Still on the Horizon for LA? Here’s What Needs to Happen

(Photo : Stacy Revere/Getty Images) MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MARCH 26: Head coach Darvin Ham of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to a three point shot during a game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on March 26, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Lakers defeated the Bucks 128 - 124 in double overtime.

"At the end of the day, we're not really focused on seeding. We're just focused on what we can control. We can't control the seedings if other teams are playing too well still. What you can control is go out and play and try to win as many games as you can and see where you land."

That is what Lebron James told the Los Angeles Times' Dan Woike back in March 24 when asked about the Lakers' target as the playoff comes close.

The Purple and Gold around this time were in ninth place, good enough for a play-in spot.

The point LeBron James probably was trying to make here is that they should take everything game by game to not lose focus on the task at hand.

Since March 24, the team went 5-1, 7-3 in their Last 10. They are still in ninth spot but are now just 2.5 games behind a sixth spot occupied by the New Orleans Hornets.

The question now needs to be asked: Can they steal the sixth spot which means instant playoffs seeding?

They can.

It is a tough climb but it is not improbable.

Here's what needs to happen though.

The Los Angeles Lakers' Fate is in Their Own Hands

The Los Angeles Lakers cruised past the Toronto Raptors. As they should.

LeBron James led the way with 23-4-9 while Anthony Davis put up 21 and 12.

They need to show some sense of urgency in their last seven games. They need to go 6-1 to remain in contention for the sixth spot.

The teams they need to surpass for that seeding are the Sacramento Kings (8th), the Phoenix Suns (7th spot), and the New Orleans Pelicans (6th spot).

The Lakers have the easiest schedule among these four. Next up for them are the Washington Wizards (to play the second game of a back-to-back), the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Golden State Warriors, the Memphis Grizzlies, and the New Orleans Pelicans.

James and company have been playing well lately and that is why it should not be surprising if they sweep all these games. However, they only need to win five of their last six while expecting the 6th, 7th, and 8th seeded teams to get at least 4-3.

Other Teams Schedules' are Harder than the Los Angeles Lakers'

The Suns have the hardest schedule as they are set to meet the Wolves (twice), Kings, Cavaliers, Clippers (twice), and Pelicans in their last seven.

If they go 4-3, they will drop to 48-34, which will be equal to the Lakers' win-loss record. The latter holds the tiebreaker.

The Kings have the second toughest schedule between the four teams. They will face the Boston Celtics, the OKC Thunder, the New York Knicks, the Suns, the Pelicans and the Clippers in five of their last eight.

With Sixth Man of the Year candidate Malink Monk officially out, it will be tough for them. If they go 3-5 in that span, then the Lakers chances are high.

The Pelicans' situation is the toughest to deal with for fans hoping for the Lakers to sneak in.

Zion Williamson and company will play the San Antonio Spurs and the Portland Trail Blazers which everybody expects them to win.

It is 50/50 for them when it comes to games with the Suns, Kings, Magic, and the Golden State Warriors. They will also face the Lakers at home on the last day of the 2023-2024 regular season.

It is possible that the Pelicans go 3-4 in this schedule, which will put them to a 48-34 standing. It is a bad scenario for them since the Lakers own the tiebreaker.