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The Lakers did what was needed to control their destiny and end up as the 3rd seed. They have a date with the 6th seeded Minnesota Timberwolves. It’s safe to say that there won’t be any easy roads to a title, especially in the loaded western conference, but facing the Timberwolves early is probably for the best. I’d rather face a young team early, before they maybe win a series or two and start playing above their heads. Defense and an efficient offense are the keys to winning in the playoffs so let’s get into it.

1. Healthy get you wealthy. The week off for a team featuring the oldest player in the league (whom we rely on extensively) is a boon from the basketball gods. LeBron, Reaves, Luka, Hayes, DFS, Rui and Vando have all missed games for maintenance over the last month and getting those players off their feet and into some treatment is huge. Especially LeBron and Luka but anyone who can maybe get over a nagging injury or a persistent bruise. Hayes in particular could stand to get over the finger injury he has which is why I suspect his free throw % has dropped off a cliff of late. Getting as many guys as right as possible is a gift the Lakers have not had in some time.
2. Time for planning. Being that it’s Coach Reddick’s maiden voyage into the playoffs it will be interesting to see how he plays the matchups, adjustments and counter-moves that often define a playoff series. Coaching takes on a new dimension in the playoffs and I’m excited to see what the coach and his staff come up with. Having not one but two generational talents to run the offense, call out coverages and slow the game down for the whole team is a luxury most coaches can only dream of. Matching up against the Timberwolves is a great first test.
3. Luke, LeBron and Reaves. Let’s not get anything twisted: we’re going exactly as far as these three players can carry us. We need for the hot shooting Luka showed the last few games to continue, we need LeBron to continue to captain the defense at an elite level, and we need Reaves to continue to assert himself and be the best 3rd option in the NBA. If these three guys are all rolling pretty consistently I like our chances against anyone.
4. X Factors. I’d say the health and impact of Mike Conley on the Timberwolves along with how Randle plays are probably the 2 biggest X Factors for the Timberwolves. For the Lakers it’s their bench. Who among Vincent, DFS, Vando, Knecht and maybe Goodwin can step up and deliver under the bright lights of the NBA playoffs? My bet is that Vincent ends up being a stabilizing force, for the most part, and that the true X Factors end up being Vando and Goodwin. If those two can combine for 10+ points and the stat stuffing they do on D we’re in good shape. I’m not expecting a huge role for Dalton, honestly. Who knows, all sorts of weird can happen in a 7 game series. Just ask Lonnie Walker IV.
5. Defense shall lead the way. The old adage proves true every postseason: defense wins championships. If the lakers can rediscover that elite, defenders on a string vibe we had post-Luka trade but pre-LeBron groin tweak I like our chances against anyone in either conference. Slip much below that and the cracks in the foundation will be showing and we’re going to be in for a tough slog. So here’s hoping we defend at an elite level and score effectively and efficiently en route to banner #18!