Los Angeles Lakers: Predicting every game after the All-Star Break

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 16: Russell Westbrook #0 and LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers discuss the play during the first quarter against the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena on February 16, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 16: Russell Westbrook #0 and LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers discuss the play during the first quarter against the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena on February 16, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
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(Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers

Los Angeles Lakers games 71-76:

Mar 19 at Washington Wizards: Win

Yet again the Lakers get the best of the flailing Wizards, who will play their last meaningful game of the season on March 19. After losing a revenge game against the Lakers, the Wizards will firmly be out of the play-in picture and will instead turn to tanking.

Mar 21 at Cleveland Cavaliers: Loss

I wanted to give the Lakers a win in this game since LeBron always loves to play in front of his former home crowd but this is undoubtedly the best Cavaliers team that he has ever played as a member of another team. With no Anthony Davis to take neutralize Evan Mobley, the Cavs get the W.

Mar 23 vs Philadelphia 76ers: Loss

This is actually when I think Davis will return. It will be exactly five weeks from the injury, which will be re-evaluated at the four-week mark. It is the return home after a road trip and is perfect timing for AD if he is ready. If not, push it back to April 1. Regardless, the Lakers lose to James Harden and Joel Embiid.

Mar 27 at New Orleans Pelicans: Win

The Lakers get a three-day break after one home game before going back on the road. At this point, the Pelicans will be more concerned with their draft pick and the Lakers, presumably with AD, beat them again.

Mar 29 at Dallas Mavericks: Win

This is the point of the season where the Lakers have to buckle down and when there is actually something to play for Anthony Davis typically plays much better. Under the impression that he will be back at this point, the Lakers get the road win over the Mavericks in an overtime game which will be one of Davis’s best games of the year.

Mar 31 at Utah Jazz: Win

Call me crazy, but the Lakers always play well against the Jazz. The Lakers just beat them in the game that Davis was hurt and if there is anyone that understands how to go small and expose the Jazz it is LeBron James. LA is 6-2 against Utah since Davis joined the team.