Lakers Playoff Hopes Hinge on Western Conference Mediocrity

At the risk of getting inundated with angry "SMALL SAMPLE SIZE!!!" comments, it has already become clear that the Los Angeles Lakers aren't making the playoffs without a serious assist from several mid-tier Western Conference teams.

That is no indictment of the Lakers, whose energy, effort and enthusiasm have been genuinely refreshing to behold after last season's slog.

But don't let the 3-4 record (against a brutal opening slate) fool you. Two of those games, including Thursday night's thriller in Houston, were decided on the game's final possession. The Lakers aren't going undefeated in close games—especially with...

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