The Lamers' Race for 8th

[XtrangHero]

I guess both the LAKERS(lol both my pic and sig show that i'm a lakers fan) and the Jazz have a 50% chance of making the playoffs. Lakers are up against the Rockets who got locked up by a small team(Suns lost some bigs) while the Jazz face the Grizzlies whose starters are currently sliding. With that said, who d'you guys think will be able to make it?

[Andrew]

Lakers. At this point, you don't want to be playing catch-up just to pull even and get in on the tiebreaker. I think the Jazz have let the opportunity slip through their fingers and will finish a game out of the postseason.

[Stress Fracture]

The Jazz will become sacrificial lambs if they enter. Just like last year.

[JaoSming]

and the Lakers wouldnt?

[XtrangHero]

Well they might also be but if they did what they have when they faced the spurs, they could advance to the 2nd round(if they beat the rockets and get to 7th)

[_Steve_]

The chances of the Lakers (without Kobe) beating OKC (without major injuries) are pretty much non-existent. Lakers have a big problem with fast/high-scoring teams like OKC.
And despite their late win against the Spurs, I doubt they'd win a complete series against them.

I really hope the Lakers make it to the playoffs, but I think neither the Lakers nor the Jazz would play more than 6 games of playoff-basketball.

[NovU]

Even with Kobe there isn't any signs of realistic chance against teams like OKC/SAS(unless their best players League Officials work their ass off). I mean did you guys watch the Lakers this season at all?

And I believe this team is just as dangerous without Kobe because of their unpredictability on both ends. But my prediction is that they'll still lose in the first round, BUT with some noise. Then Lakers fans will clamour how this team will become better when Kobe comes back and how they could have won the series if Kobe played although none of its claim's gonna make any sense. Then of course we can get back to crying about team chemistry, coach issues, and referee issues once again next season.

[Andrew]

It'd be reasonable to suggest they'd have had a chance at pulling off the upset if Kobe were playing, but I'd still take the Spurs or Thunder in a seven game series.

[NovU]

Call me crazy, or hating but this season, I thought Kobe was good. But not great, for the Lakers. And 'good' is replaceable with other potential 'good's.

[Bruce]

The mafia must be involved and Stern is getting his big pay day before retiring.

[XtrangHero]

Lakers are in guys!! They beat the rockets in ot with steve blake leading the lakers in scoring. They won despite harden scoring 30

[_Steve_]

So "less" minutes for Kobe do actually work...
As expected this game was a nail-biter.
Pau Gasol had a great game.