From a sudden drop in performance due to multiple reasons, to picking up pace, the Lakers Nation is rejoicing after LeBron James and Co. secured an imperative victory against the New Orleans Pelicans. The win saw them recollect their confidence, leveling the last 10-game record to 5-5, a shot in the arm with just a handful of games remaining. However, their win wouldn’t have been as enjoyable were it not for Stephen Curry and the Warriors’ incredible display tonight. Yes, you guessed it right. In the packed West, the Warriors’ win brought them closer to the Nuggets, as the Lakers dethroned the latter from the 3rd seed.

Yes, the same team that potentially cost the Lakers a chance to strengthen their postseason seeding helped them climb up the standings. How? The Bay faced off against a well-rested Denver Nuggets team which at the time occupied the third seed. The only way for LeBron James and the Lakers to go above them was for the Warriors to squash their arch-nemesis.

And they did just that. Led by Stephen Curry’s incredible 36-point night, the Warriors overthrew the 2022 champions comfortably in their marquee matchup. It wasn’t expected. Not only did they go down by 12 early in the game, but the Warriors hadn’t beaten the Nuggets for eight straight games.

But the revamped team has been different. Stephen Curry has caught fire over their last three games, and his exhibition sank a very efficient performance from Nikola Jokic.

On the other side, the Lakers’ ‘Big 3’ had their own battles. Although shorthanded, the Pelicans gave the Purple and Gold a fight, taking a slight lead in the first half. But the Akron Hammer struck with 27 points and eight assists. Luka Doncic also had a 22-point second half alongside another sublime display from Austin Reaves.

So for now, with one game in hand, the Lakers hold bragging rights over the Nuggets. Yet the race is far from over. The Lakers have a treacherous schedule ahead of them, which they need to ace.

The Lakers aren’t out of danger

The West standings might look a certain way today. But they could turn around just as quickly. Just to make it simpler, had the Lakers lost today, they would have the same record as the Warriors and would remain fourth. Right behind them is a three-way tie between the Grizzlies, Clippers, and Timberwolves, who all sit just one game behind Stephen Curry and the Bay.

So just by this, the Lakers are operating a tight ship. A few bad results and their fortune could turn right around. But why would the third seed fear a few remaining games? It’s simple. Their remaining schedule is grueling, to say the least.

With five games remaining, Tankathon ranks the Lakers at the very top when it comes to the most difficult schedule. They play the Houston Rockets once and the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder twice. So you can understand why the Lakers can’t be settled until they finish all of their regular-season games.

The Lakers haven’t won in their lone game against OKC this season. Additionally, they play them twice in three days, both on the road. The Purple and Gold have the second most losses on the road from the top eight in the West. Not only that, but they could potentially face off against their former forward Anthony Davis if he is available when they play the Dallas Mavericks.

That game will be packed with envious emotions from both sides. But the bottom line is this. The Lakers need to play as if their playoffs have already begun. Stephen Curry and the Warriors did offer momentary help. But if they can’t win most of their remaining games, their place as the third seed will be short-lived.

How do you think the Lakers will do from here? Let us know your views in the comments below.