Lakers News: Player-Turned-Pundit Thinks LA Can Go Far, With Proper Buy-In

Put up or shut up time for the purple and gold

The 2022-2023 regular season is winding down, and your Los Angeles Lakers are hanging in the play-in tournament by a thread. That could all change for the better or worse by the season's end, and we will most likely know the final game. The purple and gold have seven games left in their season, and whether or not they'll make the postseason is in their hands. 

The Lakers have a significant seven-game stretch; five are on the road, and many are in the playoff/play-in mix in the Western Conference. It's do-or-die time for the purple and gold, and everyone is aware of that, including ESPN NBA analyst Tim Legler. Legler joined Sportscenter and discussed how crucial the season's final stretch is for LA. 

"The Lakers put themselves in position, solidly in the play-in, and I think they can actually climb up a couple of spots if they can get at least three of those first four games on the road. It's just a matter of gut-check, dig deep, and how bad do you want to back up what LeBron just said about not wanting to miss the postseason two years in a row." 

It's been quite a roller coaster ride for the purple and gold this season, but they are still in a good spot to make the playoffs. The team is healthy right now and must stay healthy to make some real noise. Health and consistency are key for LA's final seven games; every game is a game seven, and the Lakers must treat it as such. 

No room for error for the purple and gold, and no excuses now. Los Angeles must play to their capability because if they don't, we won't see them beyond these last seven games. 

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