The Los Angeles Lakers have found themselves in an unusual situation. They are at risk of not making the playoffs with just 24 games left to play before the postseason begins. If they are going to make make a run for that last playoff spot in the Western Conference, now is the time to do it. With all the pressure that comes with playing in Los Angeles and also expectations to always be in the playoff picture, the team is surprisingly calm and relaxed about the situation. Many players are saying they are enjoying the tough spot and are ready to prove everyone wrong.
The Lakers have won their last 11 of 16 games, despite Monday's loss to the Denver Nuggets. They currently trail the Houston Rockets by three games for the eight and final playoff spot in the Western Conference.
"It's going to be a tough ride trying to get into the playoffs, but that's going to make it fun. Let's try to overcome the odds and try to get back in there and see if we can scare some people," Steve Nash said.
The Lakers have had a losing streak as high as six games this season. But, Nash believes that the team veterans have helped pull the Lakers out of these slumps and have them on the current winning streak.
Center Dwight Howard, who has been criticized for every move he has made this season, is keeping perspective of the bigger picture that is the Lakers' struggles.
"This is the best life we could ever have. So there's no need for us to be mad. We're not happy we're in this position we're in, but we still have a great life. Regardless of what happens tomorrow or the next day, we're all blessed and we got to live one day at a time and have fun," Howard said.
Kobe Bryant has been more negative than positive towards the season unfolding in Los Angeles. He has recently criticized players not giving enough effort to win. He has been unhappy with the demeanor in the team's locker room, claiming there has been too much laughter and goofing off. Bryant believes the tough position the team is in has created positive tension with teammates.
"I think everybody is a little edgy and we want to turn things around. We want to get to point where we're in the postseason and can make some noise," Bryant said.
Bryant says he naturally thinks like that. He thinks the situation of the team brings out the best in players. The Lakers are sitting right behind Houston for the final playoff spot and are even farther from Utah (3 1/2 games) and Golden State (5 1/2 games). Head coach Mike D'Antoni does not want the team focusing on how far back they are from getting in the playoffs. He believes that is a job for the coach and not the players.
The Lakers control their own destiny. If they continue to win out they could easily make it into the playoffs if a team has a late season drop off. Bryant believes the team will really start having fun when they make the postseason.
