Lakers Playoff Chances: What Needs to Happen Next.

“LeBron James leads Lakers in playoff push”

Los Angeles, CA – With the NBA regular season winding down, the Los Angeles Lakers find themselves in a familiar position — fighting for a playoff spot in a crowded Western Conference. After a heartbreaking loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, the road to the playoffs got more complicated for LeBron James and the Lakers.

So what needs to happen next for the purple and gold to make the postseason? Let’s break down the current standings, upcoming matchups, and key scenarios.

Where the Lakers Stand Now

As of May 1, 2025, the Lakers sit in 3rd place in the Western Conference with a record of 3rd place. They are locked in a tight battle with the Warriors, Kings, Rockets, and Mavericks for one of the final play-in tournament spots.

The top six teams in each conference automatically qualify for the playoffs. Teams ranked 7th through 10th enter the NBA Play-In Tournament, where they fight for the final two playoff spots.

At the moment, the Lakers are in the play-in zone, but every game matters, and one or two losses could drop them out of contention.

Remaining Schedule: Must-Win Games Ahead

The Lakers’ playoffs have only a few regular-season games remaining, and the matchups won’t be easy. Here are some key games still on the schedule:

vs. Golden State Warriors
at Sacramento Kings
vs. Phoenix Suns
at the Houston Rockets

All of these games are against teams either in the playoff picture or fighting for their survival. Going at least 3–1 in this stretch may be necessary to keep playoff hopes alive.

What the Lakers Need to Do

To reach the postseason, the Lakers must:

✅ Win at Least 3 of Their Final 4 Games

A 3-1 finish would likely secure a spot in the play-in tournament, while a 4-0 record could push them into the 7th or 8th seed — a better position with a “win-and-you r”re-incenario in the Play-In.

✅ Get Consistent Role Player Production

While LeBron James and Anthony Davis continue to carry the team, others like D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, and Rui Hachimura must step up, especially against playoff-caliber opponents.

✅ Play Better Defense

The Lakers rank in the bottom half of the league in defensive rating. To close the season strong, they must improve perimeter defense and limit second-chance points — areas they struggled in during the recent loss to the Timberwolves.

✅ Stay Healthy

Injuries have derailed the Lakers in the past, and with such little margin for error, staying healthy is non-negotiable. Load management might be off the table if every game is a must-win.

How the Play-In Tournament Works

If the Lakers finish between 7th and 10th in the West, here’s what they’ll face:

7th vs. 8th: Winner becomes the 7th seed.
9th vs. 10th: The Loser is eliminated.
Loser of 7/8 vs. Winner of 9/10: Winner becomes the 8th seed.

The Lakers are currently leaning toward the 9th seed, meaning they’d need to win two games in a row to qualify for the playoffs. It’s a steep hill, but not impossible.

What If the Lakers Miss the Playoffs?

Missing the postseason would be a major disappointment for a franchise led by LeBron James, especially considering the team’s potential when fully healthy. It would also raise questions about offseason moves, coaching decisions, and the future direction of the team.

Fans and analysts alike would expect changes — whether in roster depth, coaching staff, or long-term planning as LeBron nears the end of his Hall of Fame career.

Read also: Top 7 Reasons the Lakers Can Still Win the NBA Championship This Year.

Can the Lakers Still Make a Deep Run?

If they do reach the playoffs, the Lakers remain a dangerous team. With LeBron’s experience, AD’s dominance in the paint, and a capable supporting cast, Los Angeles has the talent to upset higher seeds, just like they did in 2023.

But first, they have to get there.

Key Stats to Watch

LeBron James (Season Avg): 25.4 PPG, 8.1 APG, 7.4 RPG
Anthony Davis: 24.9 PPG, 12.0 RPG, 2.3 BPG
Team Record in Last 10 Games: [insert recent trend, e.g., 5-5]

Final Thoughts: It’s Now or Never

The Lakers have the star power. They’ve shown flashes of brilliance all season. But now it comes down to consistency, effort, and execution. With a Lakers playoff berth on the line, Los Angeles must bring its best basketball to the court every night.

Whether they climb back into the top eight or fade from the race depends entirely on what they do next.

Official NBA Play-In Tournament format

Lakers Playoff Chances: What Needs to Happen Next.