Lakers rumors: Can they make the playoffs?

Keeping their enemies close

A major reason the Lakers still have a glimmer of hope is because the cluster of teams they’re in the midst of are not-so-great.

The Trail Blazers have failed in epic proportions so far, looking instead like the floundering team analysts predicted a year ago.

Between the eight-seeded Blazers and the last place Phoenix Suns, there is only a separation of four games.

That could come in a solid home stand, road trip, or combination of such.

While Phoenix is four games back, the Lakers are at a much more feasible distance of two and a half games.

Portland has been beaten thus far by division rivals Utah and Oklahoma City, so the key is keeping them down. If the Trail Blazers catch fire while all teams currently below them struggle, it won’t be much of a race.

There are too many hypothetical elements to determine whether or not the Blazers will falter. But the current gap is the type of challenge this young core needs.

One bad slip up by Portland met with a strong Los Angeles push could shake things up traumatically.