Lakers Face Tough Stretch As Playoffs Approach

The Los Angeles Lakers are navigating through one of the toughest stretches of their NBA season, with a demanding schedule that has them competing against top teams in quick succession. Starting March 19, 2025, the Lakers will host the Denver Nuggets, followed by a matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks on March 20. This series marks their third set of back-to-back games within a span of just eight days, culminating in six games in that timeframe, including a challenging four-game road trip.

After a disappointing winless stretch on the road that began in Boston, the Lakers managed to regroup, securing vital victories against the Phoenix Suns and the San Antonio Spurs on March 16 and 17, respectively. As the regular season heads toward playoffs, every game is critical, especially when considering their positioning in a competitive Western Conference.

Coach JJ Redick has addressed the team's struggles with their tight scheduling, urging his players to refrain from complaints about the demanding calendar. "Yeah, it was a couple weeks ago in film at the facility," Redick explained during a press session. "I was just talking to CP [Chris Paul] in the hallway about a half an hour again and he was like ‘Man, the schedule sucks.’ Talking about the Spurs schedule." Redick acknowledged that the league’s scheduling — intensified by the conclusion of the NFL season — has resulted in back-to-backs and dense booking for the Lakers. The coach stressed the importance of staying focused despite these challenges: "Back-to-backs, it’s just part of the NBA. Every team goes through it at different points. So no one is gonna feel sorry for us and we can’t feel sorry for ourselves. You gotta play the game in front of you and then move on to the next thing and try to get better."

As the Lakers sit in fourth place in the Western Conference, with a record of 42-25, the upcoming games are pivotal for maintaining their status and potentially climbing to a higher seed. With an increasingly competitive playoff race, a win over the third-place Nuggets could elevate them in the standings, while also putting additional pressure on the Minnesota Timberwolves, who are not far behind.

In addition to these games, the Lakers are dealing with the growing situation surrounding Jordan Goodwin, who has been a significant contributor on a two-way contract. Currently, he is nearing the limit of games allowed under this agreement, presenting a predicament for the coaching staff. Redick acknowledged Goodwin’s performance and growing importance in his rotation: "It’s very complicated because he’s really earned the trust of the coaching staff. But this is unfortunately the nature of the two-way contracts and having a full roster." The pressure on the Lakers is real as they assess their personnel options, especially with multiple players still recovering from injuries.

As they take on the Nuggets, it’s crucial for the Lakers to find their rhythm and capitalize on the momentum they’ve regained after recent victories. With each game presenting both a challenge and an opportunity, the focus remains on continuing to build chemistry and resilience as they strive towards a playoff berth.

The Lakers' next couple of weeks will not get any easier, though. Following their games against the Nuggets and Bucks, they are set to face off against the Memphis Grizzlies, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, and Oklahoma City Thunder in the lead-up to the playoffs. Each of these matchups has the potential to shape their postseason journey.

As the team regains key players and fine-tunes their play, the Lakers must stay grounded and take each game as it comes, with plenty at stake. "I think as we start getting everybody back, there will be a lot of tough parts of the schedule still to go," Redick acknowledges, emphasizing the importance of taking the challenges in stride and focusing on execution on the court.

Amidst the challenges and uncertainties, the Lakers remain determined to improve their performance and push through their challenges as they head into the season's critical final stretch. For a team with such high aspirations, every game counts, and each battle will be a testament to their grit, determination, and resolve as they fight for not only a solid playoff position but also for the coveted championship title.