If the Lakers want to enter the playoffs, in addition to working hard, they can also count on competing teams to drop the chain.
In James' first game after missing due to injury, the Lakers lost 109-121 to the Grizzlies, ending a three-game winning streak. However, the gap between the Lakers and competing teams has not been widened, because competitors are falling off the chain.
The Clippers lost 101-108 to the Timberwolves, suffering three straight losses. Since signing Wilson at base salary, the Clippers have lost three straight and won one win. The Clippers signed Wei Shao for only $780,000, and Wei Shao averaged 16 points, 5.7 rebounds, 9.3 assists and 2.3 steals per game for the Clippers, shooting 52.9% from the field, 44.4% from three-point range and 100% from the free throw line. Wilson played well with the Clippers and performed well beyond his contract. But it's strange that the Clippers have won since he joined. The Clippers were already on the verge of securing the top six in the West, joining the playoffs after three straight losses, and if they couldn't get back on winning track, the rankings would have dropped even further.
The Lone Rangers lost 122-124 to the Pacers, suffering two straight losses. After Doncic's return, the Lone Rangers went 1-4 and only beat the Spurs, who were second-to-last in the West. The Lone Ranger traded for Irving, raising the ceiling and lowering the floor. The Eastern European combination doesn't look so rosy. In the first two games after Irving's arrival, Doncic was absent due to injury, and Irving led the team to two consecutive wins. After Doncic returned, the Lone Ranger did not. In the game against the Pacers, Doncic bombed 39 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists, and the Lone Ranger still lost. After a 1-4 record, the Lone Ranger was overtaken by the Warriors and fell to seventh place in the West.
The Thunder lost to the Kings 117-123 and suffered a four-game losing streak. During the sprint phase, the Thunder showed signs of falling behind. The Thunder are still young, they can play the best playoffs this season, and they won't have too many regrets if they can't play. Next season, it's time for the Thunder to get results.
The Jazz lost 94-102 to the Spurs and were upset. Last offseason trade sent Gobert, Mitchell, Bojan and Beverley, mid-season trade window sent Van der Biao, Beasley, Conley, the trade received by Wilson was quickly bought, and the Jazz's attitude to rebuilding was clear. The reason why the Jazz are in the playoffs is not how well they play, but that the other teams are too weak.
The Blazers lost 105-123 to the Warriors. The Blazers can't expect Lillard to score 71 points every game to lead them to a win. The Blazers' roster is so poor that it's hard to make a difference. The Warriors completed a 23-point comeback to overtake the Mavericks and Clippers to move up to fifth place in the West. When Curry returns, the defending champions will have a lot to offer.
The worst was the Pelicans, the big dark horse at the beginning of the season, falling from first in the West to tenth in the West. Zion's injuries have been repeated and may be reimbursed for the regular season. The Pelicans have nothing to worry about not just this season, but beyond. Zion is so "brittle", how to lead the Pelicans to rise?
Competitors are losing, and the Lakers are profiting. In the absence of James and Russell, the Lakers' loss to the Grizzlies, the second place in the West, was expected, and it was not easy to play until the fourth quarter. The Lakers need to play a good card battle, such as the next game with the Thunder, Timberwolves, and Warriors. The latest condition on James' injury is that he has no structural injuries and is out for 2-3 weeks. If the Lakers can not be left behind when James returns, then their goal has been achieved.
The Lakers also have good news that Russell is expected to make a comeback against the Timberwolves. In James' absence, the Lakers needed Russell too much.