The Los Angeles Lakers are coming off a massive win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night. However, with just eight games left in the regular season, the race for the postseason is heating up! Several times including the likes of Memphis, whom the Lakers edged past recently, Denver, and the Warriors are in the mix alongside LA looking to secure a playoff berth. Amidst this race to the finish line, LeBron James and Co. host the 2nd-seeded Houston Rockets at the Crypto.com Arena on Monday night. However, just when the Lakers need to be firing on all cylinders, there seems to be a huge problem heading their way.

This is a heavyweight clash in the Western Conference, with both teams holding playoff spots. Moreover, even though the Rockets have a slight cushion, with only eight games left, two of which they have to play against LA, these games could be the deciding factor. Heading to this crucial clash, the Lakers, who have been hard-hit with several injuries, have released their injury report- and it’s quite surprising! There are just two names on Purple & Gold’s injury report, one of which is Maxi Kleber, who’s yet to suit up for his new outfit. However, the other name might concern the Lakers nation even more.

That’s because LeBron James has been listed as “probable” ahead of the Rockets matchup. Los Angeles might be without their franchise player in a must-win game. Former NBA star and ESPN journalist Kendrick Perkins broke the news first through his sources. Now, it has unfortunately been confirmed by the Lakers themselves. Needless to say, without LeBron, this might be an uphill battle for the Lakers. The 40-year-old has been the backbone of this team, averaging 24.5 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 8.5 assists per game. Additionally, the Lakers have struggled massively without King James leading them, as LA holds a poor 6-5 record without the veteran on the court this season.

Even though this marks the first time in several weeks that the Lakers look healthy, with Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and others fit, James’s injury is quite concerning. That’s because no single player can fill for King James; it will have to be a collective effort from the whole team. So, the Lakers nation will hope that this is just a precautionary measure from the team management and nothing serious. LeBron James’ availability will be crucial in LA’s hunt for a playoff spot. More so, because of the stern competition from three teams and a tough final stretch of games awaiting LeBron James and Co. So, Will they be able to overcome this massive challenge?

Lakers face tough competition from three teams with just eight games remaining

While Saturday’s victory for Memphis was great, the Lakers have been struggling and are 3-2 in their last five games. They’ve dropped two games against the Bulls and lost to Milwaukee and Orlando in recent times. Well, the bad news is that things don’t get any easier going forward. LA currently occupies the 4th seed in a competitive Western Conference, boasting a 45-29 record. Above them is a Nikola Jokic-led Denver side with an impressive 47-28 record. Moreover, the two teams tailing the Lakers are looking to snatch their spot on the table.

The two teams we’re talking about are the Grizzlies (44-30) and the Warriors (43-31). While the Lakers hold a game’s cushion over Memphis and two over Golden State, things can change quickly. With just a handful of games remaining, one or two defeats are all the tailing teams look for to pounce and climb up the rankings. So, given LA’s poor record without LeBron James, they will have to be extremely cautious because any slip-up at this time might prove to be the last nail in the coffin for the LA-based outfit. Another massive reason to worry is the quality of the teams Purple & Gold will be facing over this deciding final stretch. Starting with Houston whom Los Angeles will be facing twice over this period.

Well, if you think the rest of the schedule is easy, it’s far away from that! On Thursday, LeBron James and Co. face the Warriors in a colossal clash for both teams. After that, apart from a lowly New Orleans team, they have to lock horns with OKC twice! Seeing this tough schedule, the Lakers will have to be at their best to hold their ground with pressure coming from three other teams. All of the other teams will do their best to grab wins and overtake LA before the regular season finale. It will be a photo finish to the Western Conference playoff race, as everyone will be watching closely.