The Los Angeles Lakers aren’t simply looking to reach the play-in tournament this spring. They want to bypass it and make the playoffs outright by finishing at least sixth in the Western Conference.
Their roster looks significantly different than it did a few weeks ago, and they’re much deeper, more balanced, younger and more athletic while possessing much more 3-point shooting.
One reason their outside shooting is more potent is the acquisition of guard Malik Beasley.
In L.A.’s 124-111 win over the Golden State Warriors on Thursday, he heated up, hitting 7-of-11 from 3-point range and scoring 25 points in just 26 minutes.
After the game, he told TNT’s Chris Haynes that the Lakers are capable of winning the NBA championship.
Chris Haynes: What are you guys capable of accomplishing this year?
Malik Beasley: “Championship.”
(h/t @TaIkContext)
— 🦉 Lakers Vino (@VinoUncorked) February 24, 2023
The team has a 28-32 record and is 1.5 games behind the Warriors, who are in 10th place, and 3.5 games behind the sixth-place Dallas Mavericks, who it will play on Sunday.
If the Lakers get hot the rest of the way and make the playoffs, anything could be possible, especially with LeBron James and Anthony Davis leading the way.
