Lakers Playoff Scenario: Unlikely Ally in Kings Could Save LA, Despite Embarrassing Regular Season Clean Sweep

The 120-107 loss against Sacramento on Wednesday furthered the Lakers’ losing streak against the Kings. Their losing streak against the Kings now spans a record of 7-1 across two seasons. This is bad news for the gold and purple squad as they currently stand to face a blowout against Sacramento even if they make it to the playoffs. While Sacramento players had an effortless shooting night, LAL was a nightmare from the field, with D’Angelo Russell, Anthony Davis, and even a rested LeBron James missing shots.

Other than Rui Hachimura who scored 20 points off 9/11 field goals, the Lakers were quite doomed against a team they mandatorily have to beat to advance. However, while the Lakers couldn’t beat the Kings, it would be in their favor if the Kings kept winning their remaining matches. This was especially stressed by ESPN’s Brian ‘Windy’ Windhorst.

He claimed, “They (Lakers) are now way back of the sixth seed and have completely been whitewashed in the tiebreaker by the Kings. They’re also behind the Mavericks in the tiebreaker and by two games in the lost column for eight. So I’m telling you, the sixth seed has sailed. Goodbye. Sayonara.” Windy further noted, “If you’re a Lakers fan, I would now advise you to start to root for the Kings just about every game because you don’t want to face the Kings in a one-off situation.”

The ESPN analyst said that Sacramento retaining the sixth spot will prevent the Lakers from directly facing the Kings sooner in the postseason. However, the Lakers will also have to work hard to bolster their championship chances. Especially since their sworn rivals from 2023 are working hard for another championship.

The seeding game and why the LA Lakers need to be careful

The Los Angeles Lakers had a very underwhelming season this year. While a final push can still send them to the playoffs, the seeding game has the Lakers trapped in a power struggle. Earlier, an eighth-position finish would have seen them clashing with the Minnesota Timberwolves or the Oklahoma City Thunder. LAL has a good record with both of these teams this year. However, the Denver Nuggets now dominate the top spot and will be ready to crush Los Angeles once again.

Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets wiped out the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals last year with a 4-0 score to go on and win their first NBA Championship. If LAL works its way up to the seventh spot. it will have a better fighting chance and will either face the OKC or the T-Wolves. But, it will have to fend off the Golden State Warriors and the in-form Dallas Mavericks as well. Will Los Angeles be able to manage to land itself another championship this year?

Read More: After LeBron James’ Break Down, Anthony Davis Opines On Horrendous Streak vs Kings