With 3 games remaining this season, in order for the Lakers to get at least the 8th seed, they must win those 3 remaining games, and either of the three, the Kings, Pelicans, or Suns, need to lose twice so the Lakers would secure the 8th seed. Lakers' remaining games are GSW, MEM, and NOP. Lakers arguably can win these 3 games. While those three teams have these games left,.
Suns: LAC, LAC, SAC, MIN
Sac: OKC, NOP, PHX, POR
Pelicans: POR, SAC, GSW, LAL
Looking at this, all three teams can possibly have a record of 2-2 to end this season, and with that, it can really help the Lakers a lot to go up in the standings. Let's just hope the Lakers do their part and win those three games they have.
Does it really matter where the Lakers finish in the standings right now? I mean, if we assume that the Leakers will have no problems with their play-in tournament opponents, then their first-round playoff opponents will be either the Wolves or the Nuggets. In other words, the first round of the playoffs will be very difficult for the Lakers regardless of whether they finish the season in 9th or 8th, 7th spot in the standings.