The Los Angeles Lakers (44-29) have little margin for error as the regular season winds down. They're tied with the Memphis Grizzlies (44-29) for fourth place in the Western Conference ahead of their contest on Saturday night and are just two games ahead of the Los Angeles Clippers (42-31).
However, they're also just two games behind the Denver Nuggets (47-28) with nine contests to go.
Los Angeles is 4-6 in its last 10 games and has faced injury issues across the board, with LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and Rui Hachimura all missing time. However, the team is now almost fully healthy, and head coach JJ Redick wants it to maximize its remaining opportunities.
"Every game right now is the most important game of the season," the first-year coach said before Saturday's Grizzlies matchup.
Los Angeles has a difficult upcoming slate, as it'll host the Houston Rockets (48-26) on Monday and the Golden State Warriors (42-31) on Thursday.
"Every game right now is the most important game of the season."
JJ Redick speaks with @LakersReporter and the media ahead of tonight's matchup in Memphis with the Grizzlies. #LakeShowpic.twitter.com/oFNXEpiTSm
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) March 29, 2025
The Lakers will then host the New Orleans Pelicans (20-54) on Friday before two straight road clashes with the Oklahoma City Thunder (61-12).
Los Angeles has had a chaotic season, as it shipped out Anthony Davis and Max Christie for Luka Doncic in a shocking trade deadline deal. It also agreed to send Dalton Knecht to the Charlotte Hornets for Mark Williams, but it canceled the deal after the latter failed his physical.
Doncic has started hot with the Lakers, posting 27.5 points on 41.5 percent shooting (37.5 3 PT) with 8.6 rebounds and 7.8 assists in his first 20 games with them.
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This story was originally published March 29, 2025 at 8:14 PM.