Ahead of All-Star Weekend, the Lakers had only a 27-31 record, ranking ninth in the West. According to this ranking, the Lakers must play the playoffs to make it into the playoffs this season, and they have to win two playoffs in a row.
Not only that, the Blazers in front of the All-Star to achieve a wave of 4 consecutive wins, the record continues to approach the Lakers, currently only 2.5 wins behind the Lakers, if the Lakers do not turn the situation around as soon as possible, the ranking may continue to decline, and even fall out of the top ten in the West, missing the playoffs, completely losing the opportunity to enter the playoffs.
For the Lakers, it is really difficult for them to make the playoffs this season, partly because their current record is very bad, on the other hand, because their remaining schedule is very difficult, the opponents are mostly strong, and the overall winning rate is 53.8%, which is the highest winning rate of all Western Conference teams.
In addition, in the whole league, only the Bucks (55.4%) and Bulls (54.3%) have a higher winning percentage than the Lakers in the remaining schedules. However, the Bucks and Bulls are both at the top of the Eastern Conference, and the schedule after the Timely All-Stars is difficult, but there is basically no problem of not making the playoffs.
Next, the Lakers' main opponents include the Clippers (2 times), lone rangers (2 times), Warriors, Suns, Raptors, Cavaliers, 76ers, Timberwolves, these teams have a higher win rate than the Lakers, the Lakers face these teams do not have the certainty of winning, and even likely to lose, so that the Lakers' remaining regular season record may not be very good, then it is difficult for them to enter the playoffs, even if they can participate in the playoffs, it is difficult to enter the playoffs.
The schedule is difficult on the one hand, on the other hand, thick eyebrows suffered injuries before the All-Star, will be absent for a long time, and it is likely to return at the end of the regular season, which is worse for the Lakers. Thick Eyebrow was absent for more than a month before, although James played a very powerful performance, he could get at least 25 points on the field, and the result was that the Lakers still lost more and won less.
In the absence of thick eyebrows, even if James continues to maintain his previous good form, I am afraid it will be difficult to lead the Lakers to a better record. Whether the Lakers can play in the playoffs, the key is still Wei Shao, if Wei Shao can adjust the state and improve the help they deserve, the Lakers still have the opportunity to play in the playoffs.
After last season's All-Star, Westbrook played an average triple-double to help the Wizards make it to the playoffs. Similarly, Westbrook should be able to bring the Lakers into the playoffs, depending on whether he can adjust to his form.