I've got some mixed emotions about the Lakers' play of late. On one hand, I've never been a big Lakers fan, and usually root against them. On the other, I hate being wrong and may have had some good things to say about Kobe and co. after Mike D'Antoni was hired. Whether I like it or not, one thing seems fairly certain: the Lakers are going to make the playoffs. Once there, though, will they make any noise? Let's take a look at the numbers L.A. has put up during their recent hot streak and find out.
We'll start with the good news: the Lakers are 8-2 over their last 10 games and have vaulted the Utah Jazz for the 8th seed in the Western Conference; Kobe has seemingly put the team on his back, and has been awesome lately; their scoring differential over the last 10 games bests their season average; and they've averaged 107.1 points-per-game over this stretch, which is a couple points better than their season average.
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But there's some bad news too. A lot, actually. Offense has never been the Lakers' big problem this season, so while the increased point production is nice, it doesn't really solve anything. Over the last 10 games, L.A. is giving up an average of 103.7 points-per-game, two points worse than their season average and a number that would rank 3rd worst in the NBA. Moreover, they have allowed opponents to shoot 47% from the field during this stretch, which would rank 2nd last in the league. Finally, and this is the biggest factor to me, the combined record of the teams the Lakers have beat is 229-270. That's a combined winning percentage of 0.459, which is worse than teams like Portland and Dallas (neither of whom should scare any playoff-caliber teams).
The latest talk surrounding the Lakers is all about how they can get as high as 6th in the Western Conference standings before the playoffs start. Meaning, in all likelihood, they'll end up playing either the Spurs, the Thunder or the Clippers in the first round. So do they have a shot against any of those teams? Bluntly, no. They could steal a couple games in a 7-game series from any of those teams, but I just don't see them winning 4. San Antonio, OKC and the other Los Angeles team are just too well-rounded. The Lakers don't have a good enough defense to shut down any of the top-3 seeds in the West. They just don't.
Regardless, it's still a good thing that the Lakers are going to make the playoffs. Even though I'm not a fan of Kobe personally, I love watching him play. Even if they don't make it out of the first round, it'll still be nice to see Kobe put in work in the playoffs. Plus—and let's be honest here—who wouldn't rather see a Spurs/ Lakers or L.A. vs L.A. battle than any series involving the Jazz?
And they are so interesting to watch because it is so hard to figure out what's wrong with them, given their talent-on-paper, and a good coach. We have heard the reasons why (too old, no D, wrong system) but then they go on a tear (i.e. they do a lot right). Fascinating.
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