So, it has come down to this, the Lakers facing a season finale loaded with meaning for both teams, as they travel to New Orleans for Game 82. The Pelicans need a win, as they’re fighting to stave off the Phoenix Suns and remain out of the play-in tournament. And the Lakers need a victory to secure the No. 8 seed, a spot that allows them the opportunity to get into the playoffs with just one win.
Fall to No. 9 and the Lakers will need to win a home game, then another on the road to get into the playoffs. Drop all the way to No. 10 and the Lakers must win two road games to get out of the play-in and survive into the postseason.
The Lakers have gone 2-1 against the Pelicans this year, and have averaged 127.0 points, the second-most points they’ve averaged against any team in the West (Utah, 131.3, is the most).
For star forward LeBron James, the formula for this team now is pretty simple. In fact, when he was asked what the top-line item for dealing with the Pelicans would be, he had just one word: “Win.”
