It’s highly likely that LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers will find themselves battling through the Play-In Tournament later this month.
Currently positioned as the ninth seed in the Western Conference, prospects for them to ascend significantly in seeding before the postseason commence seem slim.
While this predicament might spark anxiety among some fans, LeBron James remains unperturbed by his team’s current ranking.
In a recent conversation with Dave McMenamin, James expressed his steadfast commitment to giving his all in every game, regardless of the opponent or the Lakers’ standing in the league.
“Wherever we fall is where we fall and wherever we got to go, if we have to go on the road, that’s fine. That’s fine. That’s just what it came down to.”
LeBron James isn't spending much worrying about seeding, believing the Lakers need to keep focusing on the game ahead of them: "Wherever we fall is where we fall and wherever we got to go, if we have to go on the road, that’s fine. That’s fine. That’s just what it came down to"
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) April 4, 2024
This resolute mindset mirrors the Lakers’ approach last season, which ultimately proved successful. Despite a lackluster performance for much of the 2022-23 season, the team ignited towards the end, clinching victories in the Play-In Tournament and subsequently surprising many with triumphs over formidable opponents like the Memphis Grizzlies and the Golden State Warriors. This string of wins propelled them to the Western Conference Finals.
Given James’ extensive postseason experience, he remains unwavering in his confidence in the Lakers’ ability to navigate any challenges they encounter, irrespective of their seeding. His focus remains squarely on achieving victory, undeterred by the potential daunting matchups they may face in the opening round of the playoffs, such as the Minnesota Timberwolves, Oklahoma City Thunder, or Denver Nuggets.
However, before they can contemplate the playoffs, the Lakers must first conclude the regular season on a strong note and deliver a commendable performance in the Play-In Tournament.
