There’s no more room for error for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Darvin Ham’s team will have to enter playoff mode right away if they want to make the most of these remaining 23 games.
They need to win at least 14 of those 23 games to finish at .500, which would likely guarantee them a spot in the Play-in tournament as the worst-case scenario.
The Lakers revamped the roster at the trade deadline by adding multiple shooters and some versatile defenders, just what they needed around LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
That’s why former NBA standout Jalen Rose believes there’s nothing to be worried about for Lakers nation, as their stars will carry them to the postseason.
However, he did add that Anthony Davis’ health will once again be the key to their playoff aspirations:
.@JalenRose believes there's still playoff hopes for the Lakers 👀
"If Anthony Davis can stay healthy, these Lakers will be in the playoffs." pic.twitter.com/KdrmHoB8XW
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) February 22, 2023
That has been the case throughout Davis’ career.
When healthy, there’s no denying that he can single-handedly lead to the playoffs.
The only issue with him is that he’s seldom healthy, and this season hasn’t been the exception to that rule.
In fact, there has been some rumbling around the league about James and his camp reportedly being frustrated with Davis’ lack of availability, hinting at a potential trade in the offseason.
So, with their title window closing right before their eyes and James’ entering the backend of his never-ending prime, Davis will need to step up and prove that he can be trusted to stay on the floor when it matters the most, or this might as well be his final season in Southern California.
NEXT: LeBron James Sums Up His Amazing Versatility
