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Lakers: 3 reasons why potentially missing the playoffs is a blessing

By Jason Reed

TORONTO, ON - MARCH 18: LeBron James #6 and Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers shake hands during the second half of their NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on March 18, 2022 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Cole Burston/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - MARCH 18: LeBron James #6 and Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers shake hands during the second half of their NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on March 18, 2022 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Cole Burston/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

The Los Angeles Lakers are coming off of a huge win on the road against the Toronto Raptors in which Russell Westbrook had his best game wearing the purple and gold this season. While it was nice to see the Lakers win a road game against a tough opponent, it only briefly covered up the disappointment from this season.

The Lakers were the favorites to win the NBA Championship out of the Western Conference and now they are locked into being the ninth or tenth seed in the Play-In Tournament, assuming they don’t fall out of it altogether.

The eighth-seeded Clippers are 4.5 games ahead of the Lakers and it is unlikely that the purple and gold will catch them. LA has a 3.5-game cushion from falling out of the play-in as the tenth seed.

It is hard to imagine the Los Angeles Lakers making the playoffs from the play-in tournament.

The Lakers have done nothing this season to make anyone confident that they could win two do-or-die games in a row. If the Lakers get past the Pelicans they would have to beat the loser of the Timberwolves and Clippers, both of which just beat the Lakers in easy fashion.

Thus, we might be looking at another year without the playoffs for the Lakers. And while that is rightfully extremely disappointing, it could actually be a blessing in disguise for the team. Let’s dive into the three reasons why that is the case.

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