With eight games left in the regular season, speculation has brewed over how dangerous the Los Angeles Lakers could really be in the playoffs. The campaign has come with its share of injuries and inconsistencies, but LA’s recent play has turned heads among the national media, with Hall of Famer Dirk Nowitzki recently chiming in.
NBA Legend Breaks Down Why Lakers are a Playoff Threat
Nowitzki’s Comments
Nowitzki discussed the Lakers’ playoff hopes during Saturday’s pregame show for Amazon Prime Video:
“The big three [are] healthy really for the first time. I think they’re kind of finding their roles. LeBron has been doing a great job kind of stepping back, letting the younger two kind of carry the offense. … He just lets Austin and Luka do their thing, so I’ve been impressed. Defensively, they’re mixing it up. … They kind of get away with playing these subpar defenders, but they’re mixing it up. They’re mixing up the zone, they’re matching up out of it. They’re decent on the man-to-man. [Deandre] Ayton has been better.
“Overall, I think they’re doing really well. Is that a team you really want to see in the playoffs with three guys that can decide the game, take over down the stretch? Been impressed with them, and we’ll see how far they can take it.”
Keys for Lakers as Postseason Looms
After a red-hot showing after the All-Star break, the Lakers sit at 48-26 and third in the Western Conference, with their remaining strength of schedule ranking 16th, according to Tankathon. The Lakers have prioritized defense and chemistry heading into the home stretch, but there are other factors to monitor as the regular season winds down.
At Lakers practice and just like during training camp the message has remained the same.
Championship Habits
Championship Communication
Championship Shape pic.twitter.com/HJPKGmd5jx— Edwin Garcia (@ECreates88) March 29, 2026
Keep Big Three Rolling
JJ Redick and the Lakers have been quick to silence criticism around Luka Doncic, LeBron James and Austin Reaves. Whether it’s the promising advanced metrics or the team’s stunning stretch of wins, things have clicked for LA in the back half of the season, and that includes the trio’s improved fit. To Nowitzki’s point about closing games, the Lakers still lead the league in clutch-time performances (22-7), with each of the big three playing hero in recent close games.
James, Doncic and Reaves will have a few more chances to get key reps together in the regular season. Those opportunities are golden ahead of the playoffs, where their synergy will be tested in high-pressure environments.
Get Supporting Cast Healthy and Engaged
It hasn’t always been pretty, but the team’s role players have become stars in their own right throughout the year. Rui Hachimura has thrived off the bench, Luke Kennard has brought a flamethrower to the team’s offense, and Jaxson Hayes has steadily improved on both ends of the floor.
But perhaps the biggest names to watch will be Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart (once he returns from an ankle sprain). Ayton, for all his faults, has rounded a corner as of late, accepting his role and finding his niche as the energetic force in the middle. As the Lakers battle physical frontcourts in the playoffs, his interior presence on both ends will be crucial to their success. The remaining games will be valuable litmus tests for him and his postseason readiness. As for Smart, his playoff experience and overall leadership speak for themselves. If he keeps setting the tone defensively while making timely offensive contributions, the Lakers will have another ace in the hole that could worry playoff opponents.
Lock In Against .500 Teams
The Lakers will face the Thunder (twice), Cavaliers and Suns as part of the tougher end to the year, with all being above .500 and in the playoff/play-in picture. LA has gone 21-21 against .500+ teams this season, including impressive victories over the Timberwolves, Nuggets and Rockets in recent weeks. The remaining contests are prime opportunities for the Lakers to test themselves against elite competition, with both matchups against the Thunder meaning more this time around.
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