Lakers Podcast: What Does L.A. Need In Order To Make Playoffs? Can LeBron James Still Carry The Team?

Trevor Lane
3 Min Read
Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Lakers find themselves in a tough position heading into the final stretch of the NBA season, sitting three games back of the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. The next few weeks will determine their fate, making it do or die time in Los Angeles.

On this episode of the Lakers Nation Podcast, host Trevor Lane is joined by Corey Hansford to discuss what the team needs to do in order to make the playoffs. While there are a number of areas of focus, defense, which has slipped to 27th in the NBA over the last 15 games, seems to be the most pressing concern.

It’s no coincidence that Lonzo Ball, who is arguably the Lakers’ best defender, has been unavailable due to a sprained ankle. His return will be a welcome sight for the Lakers, but can he hit the ground running and perform at the level the team needs coming off of a difficult injury?

That’s a question that could also be asked of LeBron James, who is still recovering from a groin injury that caused him to miss 18 games. He hasn’t quite looked like himself, and questions remain about whether or not he can turn it on down the home stretch and carry the team to the postseason.

He did it last season with the Cleveland Cavaliers, but at 34 years old we know he will start slowing down at some point.

If James does indeed need help to get the team to the playoffs, which young player can step up? Will Kyle Kuzma find a way to rebound and defend at a high enough level? Can Brandon Ingram continue his solid play on the wing and perhaps get back into a rhythm from behind the arc?

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Trevor Lane is a longtime NBA and Los Angeles Lakers fan who had the good fortune to grow up during the glory days of the Showtime Lakers, when Magic Johnson, Kareem-Abdul-Jabbar, James Worthy, and the rest ruled the Great Western Forum. He has written about basketball, soccer, fantasy sports, MMA, and even pro wrestling over the course of his career, but the spectacle that is the Lakers is his true passion. He made the leap into podcasting for Lakers Nation and provides voice-over analysis for our YouTube channel. With a who's who of stars gracing the Lakers lineup over the years, including Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Shaquille O'Neal, Pau Gasol, and many others, the Lakers always provide plenty to talk about. When he isn't writing or recording, Trevor can be found spending time with his wife and daughter or on the sidelines for one of the youth teams he coaches. Outside of the Lakers, Trevor is a supporter of the LA Galaxy, US Soccer, Dallas Cowboys, and Los Angeles Dodgers. Contact: trevor@mediumlargela.com