Luke Walton: Lakers ‘Very Aware’ Of Time Running Short To Make Playoffs; Coaches Don’t ‘Harp On It Too Much’
David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Lakers played perhaps their best basketball in quite some time, putting together a stellar effort through 3.5 quarters, only to collapse late against the Milwaukee Bucks in a 131-120 loss.

Despite 62 combined points from LeBron James and Brandon Ingram, the team’s defense could not contain Eric Bledsoe, who finished with 31 points and nine assists.

With the L.A. Clippers defeating the Sacramento Kings, the San Antonio Spurs are now the eighth in the Western Conference. As the Lakers are currently 3.5 games behind the Spurs, there are only 20 games remaining in the season.

“We’re aware of it. We don’t try to harp on it too much,” Lakers head coach Luke Walton said of time beginning to run short on his team.

“I say all the time, the way we’re going to be at our best is if we stay present and keep our mindset on what we’re doing in practice, games and day-by-day. That’s how we’ll get to where we want to get to. The group is very away of where we’re at and what needs to happen.”

Since 2019 NBA All-Star Weekend, the Lakers have wasted multiple opportunities to close the gap in the standings. Along with embarrassing losses to the Anthony Davis-less New Orleans Pelicans and Memphis Grizzlies, they could not close out the Bucks despite having a double-digit lead.

At this stage of the season, it does not get any easier for the Lakers. After hosting the Denver Nuggets and Boston Celtics, they have a five-game road trip.

With the odds certainly not in their favor, Walton and the Lakers may have to go at least 15-5 during this final stretch to give themselves a legitimate chance of making the playoffs.

Reminder: Vivid Seats is the Official Ticket Reseller of LakersNation.com. New Customers use “LAKERSNATION” (all CAPS) in the Vivid Seats App on your phone and get 10% off any Lakers home game ticket order for the remainder of the season.

You May Also Like

Lakers News: Hawks’ Dejounte Murray Shows Appreciation For LeBron James’ Mentorship

LeBron James’ win-now mentality helped the Los Angeles Lakers win the NBA championship again in 2020…

Lakers News: Brandon Ingram Attributes Career-High 36 Points Vs. 76ers To ‘Taking Good Shots’

Amid Anthony Davis’ trade request from the New Orleans Pelicans, Brandon Ingram has made it clear he’s focused on what he can control leading up…

Kobe Bryant Says Bill Russell Mentored Him About Managing Teammates

The Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics are bitter rivals that date back to the days of the Bill Russell-led Celtics teams squaring off against Jerry West and the Lakers…

Lakers News: LeBron James’ Foundation To Open Health Center In Akron

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James keeps delivering for his hometown community in Akron, Ohio, as part of the four-time…