The Los Angeles Lakers lost to the Charlotte Hornets 100-97 on Feb. 19. It was the Lakers’ first game back since the All-Star break. Despite losing, the Lakers still control the fifth seed in the Western Conference, and if the season were to end today, they would face the Houston Rockets in the opening round of the playoffs.
However, there are still more than 20 games left in the season. The Lakers could rise or fall in the standings. According to ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, JJ Redick’s team must do everything in their power to avoid the Denver Nuggets in the opening round, which likely means staying out of the sixth seed.
“What happens if the Lakers end up as the sixth seed, and Denver ends up in the three,” Smith said on a Feb. 19 episode of ESPN’s First Take. “Then, they get Denver in the first round again. They’re going home. They’re not beating the Denver Nuggets…In fairness to the Lakers, the went to the Western Conference Finals two years ago, then they ran into Denver. Last year, they got Denver in the first round…So, the objective is you’ve gotta watch yourself…If you’re smart, you’ve got to avoid the Nuggets as much as you can.”
After trading away Anthony Davis in a deal to acquire Luka Doncic, the Lakers don’t have the size nor skill at the center position to shut down Nikola Jokic. As such, Los Angeles should indeed try and avoid a matchup with the Nuggets.
Mark Williams Speaks on Failed Lakers Trade
Shortly after acquiring Doncic, Rob Pelinka moved to add Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets. However, that trade was ultimately rescinded because Williams reportedly failed his medical.
During a recent interview with the Charlotte Observer, Williams finally broke his silence on the failed move.
“It’s crazy,” Williams said. “Your mind has to shift from you got traded, you’ve got to go to L.A. and then you’ve got to shift back from you’re not going to L.A. So, it’s definitely different. It’s a lot on your mind and you’ve got to take what life gives and make the most of every opportunity you’ve got.”
Williams was originally acquired by the Lakers to give Doncic the type of rim-runner he thrives next to. After canceling the Williams trade, the Lakers added Alex Len via free agency and will likely look for another above-the-rim threat during the summer.
Williams Had a Strong Game vs. Lakers
During the Lakers Feb. 19 loss to Charlotte, Williams showcased what Redick’s team were missing. He ended the game with 10 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists while going 4-of-4 from the free-throw line.
Williams’ size and activity on defense provided a legitimate rim deterrent that forced the Lakers into making some difficult decisions when operating in the halfcourt. While his impressive motor allowed him to shuttle up and down the court at pace. It was easy to see how Williams could have slotted into Los Angeles’ rotation between Doncic and LeBron James.
Unfortunately for Lakers fans, they will likely never know how things would have played out with Williams in the rotation. Instead, they must wait for more moves to occur during the summer.
Still, Lakers fans won’t be in a rush to get to the offseason, and that’s why Smith is urging them to do whatever it takes to avoid matching up with the Nuggets for the third year in a row.
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