We are getting closer and closer to Los Angeles Lakers basketball that counts.
The Los Angeles Lakers have completed all three of their scrimmage games and now we are just waiting until the seeding games begin, which is when things really start to matter. The Lakers open up their eight seeding games against their Western Conference rivals, the Los Angeles Clippers.
Realistically, these games do not matter a ton as the Lakers would have to be abysmal and the Clippers would have to win out to even consider being the first seed in the Western Conference. Thus, the Lakers’ place in the standings is secured.
However, it is important in the aspect that it will give us our first real-speed look of the Lakers, with LeBron James and Anthony Davis playing a full games’ worth of minutes. With this being a likely Western Conference Finals preview, it will give us a sneak peek into the playoffs as well.
The Lakers potentially could be without Anthony Davis in this contest, although it is looking more promising that he will indeed play. Davis plans on playing and will play as long as he gets the green light from the doctor after being poked in the eye in the scrimmage vs. the Orlando Magic.
The Clippers have some question marks as well.
Patrick Beverley returned to the Orlando bubble on Sunday and it is unclear if he is gonig to play on Thursday; Lou Williams will not be playing as he has to serve a 10-day quarantine; Landry Shamet returned to the bubble on Sunday with Beverley and Doc Rivers said he is likely to play, while Beverley is a maybe; Montrezl Harrell was yet to return to the bubble as of Tuesday night and is unlikely to play.
Despite these evolving factors, here are the three keys that will determine the Lakers’ fate in this matchup.