The Lakers returned to Southern California on Thursday feeling good about what they accomplished over the previous 1 ½ weeks: winning five of six games as part of an 11-day trip that further cemented their No. 3 spot in the Western Conference standings.
But with just a little over two weeks and nine games left in the regular season, starting with Friday’s game against the Nets that kicked off a stretch of three home games in five nights, they know there’s still a lot left to accomplish as they make a push for the playoffs.
Here are nine storylines to follow before the regular season ends:
1. Defensive rebounding
Even after winning 13 of their previous 15 games entering Friday, the Lakers still had plenty of areas for improvement.
One of the main ones is their defensive rebounding, which took a dip during their recent surge.
After ranking seventh in defensive rebounding percentage before the All-Star break (70.3), the Lakers have ranked 17th (68.9) post-break, including 22nd (68) in their 14 games in March entering Friday.
Some of this slippage can be attributed to some of the Lakers’ opponents from over the last month being among the best offensive rebounding teams in the league, such as the Rockets and Pistons.
“We do need to be better with our defensive rebounding, and I think a lot of that comes down to not ball-watching and being cognizant of who’s on the floor and who’s a crasher,” coach JJ Redick said. “That’s a personnel, [know your personnel] thing.”
2. Luka Doncic MVP push
Luka Doncic’s otherworldly play in March has helped him get more buzz around his name for league MVP considerations.
He entered Friday averaging 36.9 points (48.4% shooting, 38.1% on 3-pointers) to go with 8.2 rebounds, 7.4 assists and 2.3 assists in the month, including a career-best 11 straight games scoring at least 30 points.
Doncic has peaked as high as No. 2 on NBA.com’s MVP ladder before coming in at No. 4 on Friday’s edition.
3. LeBron James milestone watch
LeBron James continues to claim the top spots in multiple league records, most recently passing Robert Parish for the most regular-season games played.
And he’s on the cusp of another record.
James entered Friday with 1,226 career combined wins in the regular season and playoffs, just two behind tying Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time record of 1,228.
Abdul-Jabbar still holds the record for most regular-season wins (1,074), but James already has the most playoff wins (183).
4. Health vs. playing
The Lakers control their own destiny when it comes to clinching the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference for the playoffs.
So, how will the team go about managing players’ nagging injuries as the season concludes?
“We’re gonna go for it,” Redick said. “We’re gonna try to win games, and we’re gonna be smart about it.”
Starting guard Marcus Smart sat out against the Nets for his third consecutive missed game because of a right ankle contusion.
Rui Hachimura (right calf injury management) was available against the Nets after missing the previous two games, while starting center Deandre Ayton played after sitting out of Wednesday’s win over the Pacers because of back soreness.
5. Most wins in 15 years?
With a 47-26 record entering Friday, the Lakers need to go 6-3 in their final nine games for their most wins in a season since 2010-11, when they won 57.
The Lakers haven’t had back-to-back regular seasons of winning at least 60% of their games since 2009-2011.
6. Jake LaRavia’s iron man status
Jake LaRavia could play in all 82 games, a feat that’s become less common in the NBA over the last couple of decades.
LaRavia is one of 19 players who are on pace to play all 82 this season.
7. Austin Reaves’ efficiency
Austin Reaves is in the midst of one of the league’s most efficient scoring seasons for a guard.
Reaves’ 64.2% true shooting percentage (a formula that incorporates free throws and higher-value 3-point shots) ranks ninth among guards in league history who averaged at least 20 points and played at least 45 games in a season.
Steph Curry (four times), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (this season), Reggie Miller (twice) and Damian Lillard are the only other guards with more efficient, high-scoring seasons than Reaves.
8. Playing the champs
The Lakers have beaten every Western Conference team at least once except one: the defending champions.
They have two more opportunities to beat the Thunder this season: Thursday in Oklahoma City and April 7 at Crypto.com Arena.
9. First-round playoffs matchup
The Lakers are projected to host either the Rockets or Timberwolves to kick off their first-round playoff series.
They won the regular-season series over both teams.
