Everybody’s duckin’. That’s the word on the street, and if you’ve been watching the Western Conference shake out, you know exactly what Lou Williams is talking about. Teams are trying to maneuver themselves into just the right playoff spot, and it’s not just about who you play—it’s about who you avoid. 

That’s why Lou’s saying it loud. The Lakers need to gun for that No. 3 seed like it’s Game 7. Not just to dodge the Warriors, but to run into a more favorable matchup while keeping that momentum rolling. Because if you’re the Lakers and you’ve finally got rhythm, chemistry, and a mostly healthy squad, the last thing you want is Steph Curry and Draymond Green spoiling the vibe in round one. It’s chess, not checkers, and it’s time to make the right move.

During an appearance on ‘Run It Back,’ Lou Williams analyzed potential playoff matchups, highlighting the Lakers’ precarious position that could possibly happen and the chances of the teams winning. He said, “You know if I’m the Lakers and I’m a half game out of third, I’m trying to do everything that I can to string together the next few games to fight like hell and get Denver’s spot at third and get matched up with Memphis going into these playoffs” Commenting on a possible easy playoff contender other than the Golden State Warriors. 

“With LeBron and just Steph Curry but all other guys considered, this is gonna be a battle on both sides. After last night if I’m both of these teams. Everybody’s ducking for the first round.”  Lou Williams is speaking on the situation after the events of last night’s game, where the Lakers succumbed to a 116-123 defeat to the Golden State Warriors, where a lack of coordination and general weariness seemed to shroud the Lakers.

The Lakers have shown flashes of brilliance but repeatedly lapse defensively in the closing quarter. They have had a stacked line-up for the longest time imaginable, but their flaws remain. Let us take a look.

Same stars, same flaws: Lakers

A LeBron vs. Steph playoff rematch would dominate headlines, reignite a decade-old rivalry, and rewrite legacies. But beneath the hype, Williams’ concerns highlight the harsh reality: the Lakers’ inconsistencies might make that dream matchup short-lived.”

Despite standout performances from LeBron James, who scored 33 points, and Austin Reaves, who added 31, the team struggled to maintain defensive intensity and offensive cohesion.

Luka Dončić had an uncharacteristically poor game, scoring only 19 points on 6-of-17 shooting and missing all six of his three-point attempts. This ended his 114-game streak of making at least one three-pointer. Dončić himself labeled his performance as “unacceptable,” acknowledging the increased difficulty it posed for the team’s success

And let’s talk depth. The bench got outscored, and the rotations were all over the place. And when the pace picked up, the Lakers looked gassed. Luka’s still trying to find his rhythm in this new setup, and while the talent’s undeniable. The chemistry isn’t quite there yet. LeBron can only carry so much this deep into the season, and if the role players don’t step up, it’s going to be tough sledding.

So while the idea of a LeBron-Steph postseason clash sounds like must-see TV, last night’s game was a wake-up call. The Warriors aren’t scared. And the Lakers? They’ve still got a lot to clean up before anyone should be penciling in that dream matchup. Casting doubt over LeBron’s title hopes.