(Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers got themselves into a bit of a problem.
They were in control of their destiny before dropping some key games, and they haven’t looked sharp at all lately.
That was on full display again in their most recent matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies.
Despite the Grizzlies’ plethora of injuries, the Lakers struggled mightily to get the job done, winning by three.
That’s why, following the game, Lakers forward Rui Hachimura stated that they were just messing around, calling it one of their worst games of the season and stating that it could not happen again (via Trevor Lane).
Rui Hachimura’s VERY honest assessment of what he called one of the “worst games of the season” against the Grizzlies. He said the Lakers were “messing around” and this can’t happen again. @LakersNation pic.twitter.com/bmLWrR42Gd
— Trevor Lane (@Trevor_Lane) April 13, 2024
The Lakers were 15.5-point favorites ahead of that matchup, and they actually trailed late.
The Grizzlies have competed hard all season long, but they’re not a good basketball team.
Fortunately for Darvin Ham’s squad, the Golden State Warriors lost to the New Orleans Pelicans, so they were able to climb to the No. 8 spot.
Otherwise, they would’ve fallen to No. 10.
Even so, they still have to play vs. the red-hot Pelicans — who are also looking to avoid the Play-In Tournament — in the regular-season finale.
The Pelicans are riding a four-game winning streak and are a better team overall, and the Warriors and Kings have winnable games vs. the Utah Jazz and Portland Trail Blazers, respectively, so the Lakers still aren’t in the clear here.
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