The Golden State Warriors‘ win over the Los Angeles Lakers allows them to climb up to the 10th spot in the conference. This means the Lakers can still fall to the 10th spot. But they have technically ensured a play-in spot. There is still a way that LeBron James and Co. can end up on the higher side of the play-ins. However, the only change after today’s loss churns is that it will not be in the Lakers’ control.

Whether the Lakers can finish the season with the 8th spot in the West depends heavily on the two teams above them; Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns.

Currently, the bottom 4 of the Top 10 teams in the West

Given the tight competition from both ends and just 2 games remaining in their season, the Lakers need to win both their contests. That is the bare minimum the schedule demands from the purple and gold in order to finish within the top 8. Whether they can do it, will Anthony Davis return to the court? Will LeBron James be available? Are all extended narratives. It is only then that the Kings and Suns’ records will fare in.

How can the Kings and Suns factor into the Lakers’ top-8 standing?

Kevin Durant‘s Phoenix Suns are the Lakers’ best bet. They are currently in the middle of the most tiring 10-game season-ending run. With that, if the Suns lose all 3 of their coming games, the Lakers will spurt right into the Top 8 with a 47-35 record against the Suns’ 46-36. Moreover, the Lakers’ chances remain even if the Suns tie their season with the Lakers. Given the Lakers 3-2 lead on their season series, they will be granted the edge.

While leveraging on Sacramento’s fate presents slimmer chances, there is still a possibility. If Sacramento manages to win all of their coming 3 games, it shuts down the Lakers’ chances immediately. Moreover, due to Sactown’s 4-0 season series advantage over LeBron’s squad, they get the upper hand in case they win just 2 games. With that, the Lakers’ best shot comes if the Kings manage to win just 1 game in the remainder of their season.

Luckily, even in a worst-case scenario, the Lakers get a shot at entering the playoffs. If they lose the coming 2 games, they will be transferred to the bottom spot, awaiting a couple of intense clashes to qualify for the playoffs. In that case, the Lakers could leave behind the longest season in NBA history, because of the addition of 1 game behind the NBA In-Season Tournament Finale.

Read More – NBA Playoffs: Warriors Could Finish 8th Seed After Suns Fall Prey To Shorthanded Clippers