Blue Man Hoop
Fansided

Golden State Warriors should be praying Lakers avoid Play-In

ByTony Pesta|
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 30: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball after returning to the starting lineup against the Sacramento Kings at Staples Center on April 30, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 30: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball after returning to the starting lineup against the Sacramento Kings at Staples Center on April 30, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

The Golden State Warriors feel relatively confident in their ability to reach the NBA Playoffs via the Play-In Tournament — but that could all change if they wind up facing the Los Angeles Lakers.

Due to key injuries to LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers have played well below expectations and currently stand only one game ahead of the seven-seeded Portland Trail Blazers.

The Golden State Warriors should be praying the defending champions don’t slip far enough in the standings to compete in the Play-In Tournament.

During the month James was sidelined, the Lakers went just 8-12, placing them right in the heart of the Western Conference Playoff race. As both James and AD slowly ramp themselves up, it wouldn’t be surprising to see them slip in the standings with some tough games against the Phoenix Suns, LA Clippers and Trail Blazers themselves up ahead.

Despite their two staggering stars, the Lakers are nothing to play around with. Once fully healthy, Los Angeles boasts perhaps the strongest roster in the league and remains favorites to win the championship — regardless of if they begin their path in the Play-In or not.

For this reason, the Warriors will be hoping for one of two outcomes:

  1. The Lakers remain a top-six seed
  2. The Lakers win their first game as the seventh seed / Warriors play in the nine/10 game

Avoiding the Lakers would be best for the Warriors. Even if the Dubs manage to battle their way into a more favorable position in the tourney where they can afford to drop one game, a nearly guaranteed loss is no way to start their journey.

Knowing James and his history of not necessarily trying too hard in the regular season (combined with his latest injury), I really can’t imagine he will go out of his way to propel the Lakers out of the Play-In at this stage of the season. Don’t be surprised if James simply allows himself to get healthy and then bets on himself in a single-elimination shot at the playoffs.

Although Stephen Curry and the Warriors have historically beaten James in most of their meetings, it’s clear as day why this one would be different. James now has the far superior team — and if there is anyone in the NBA who can dominate a single game from start to finish, it’s LeBron James.

As the Warriors take care of business down the stretch of their season — they’ll be hoping the Lakers do the same on their end, thus avoiding the Play-In entirely.

Home/Warriors News