HOUSTON — The Lakers have been honest about having a “playoff mentality” during the final stretch of the regular season — evident in their play during the six-game winning streak they entered Wedne…
Under fire Nancy Guthrie sheriff takes more trips to the gym in his convertible than work visits — as case grinds to a halt HOUSTON — The Lakers have been honest about having a “playoff mentality” during the final stretch of the regular season — evident in their play during the six-game winning streak they entered Wednesday’s matchup against the Rockets.
The last few weeks, with the team having a healthy roster in most of their games since the All-Star break, have also made it clear who’ll be in the rotation once the playoffs start.Luka Doncic has the Lakers in third place in the Western Conference standings a month before the NBA postseason begins.This has been the Lakers’ first unit since getting fully healthy, and there’s no reason for it to change before the playoffs. This starting group has the third-best net rating among Lakers lineups that’ve played at least 100 possessions, according to Cleaning The Glass, and is among the most balanced units the team can deploy.Even if the Lakers make it out of the first round, or at least extend their opening series to beyond five games, expect Doncic and Reaves to hover around 40 minutes per game and James to come in at the highs 30s.The Lakers’ Deandre Ayton is the biggest wild card among the starters from a playing-time perspective once the postseason begins.from a playing-time perspective — he could play anywhere from 25-35 minutes depending on the matchup and his individual performance. Putting him at 28 minutes is in line with his playing time during the regular season.: Hachimura has been the Lakers’ sixth man in 2026, sometimes averaging more minutes than Ayton off the bench during stretches of the season. Along with Luke Kennard, Hachimura has been one of the Lakers’ best 3-point shooters. And at 6-foot-8, he can credibly defend multiple frontcourt positions. Expect for Hachimura to play the most among Lakers bench players and don’t be surprised if he closes games depending on the matchup and Ayton’s performance.: As the player with the best 3-point shooting percentage in the league, Kennard has provided a significant boost to the offense. Statistically, he raises the ceiling of the team’s offense more than any other player on the roster. But the team struggles defensively just as much as it thrives offensively while Kennard is on the floor. During the games he’s knocking down shots, Kennard could play as many as 24-26 minutes in the playoffs. But during the games he isn’t, he could also come in around 14-16 minutes and be a two-shift player.: The 7-foot Hayes has been a consistent part of the bench since the start of the season, playing at least 10 minutes in every game he’s finished healthy. If Ayton isn’t producing at the level he’s capable of, or the small-ball lineups aren’t as viable depending on the matchup, Hayes has shown he can scale up his play with more minutes.: LaRavia and Hayes have comfortably been the Lakers’ eighth and ninth players in the rotation since the break. LaRavia’s best chances of playing more would come if the Lakers rely on more center-less lineups or his 3-point shot is falling.If he’s playing at the level he’s expected to, he brings a combination of physical tools and skill that nobody else on the roster has. But if he’s not, don’t be surprised if the Lakers close games with a center-less group that swaps Ayton for Hachimura. Hayes would be third in line as a closer if the Lakers need a big man on the floor. Here's what Rory McIlroy is serving for his first-ever Masters dinner — one year after playoff triumphJudge rules on Jets legend's $25M lawsuit against ESPN over Brett Favre dramaChris Mullin tells The Post how St. John's can go on deep March Madness run: Play in that 'gray area'Luka Doncic has the Lakers in third place in the Western Conference standings a month before the NBA postseason begins.The Lakers' Deandre Ayton is the biggest wild card among the starters from a playing-time perspective once the postseason begins.Stream It Or Skip It: 'Imperfect Women' On Apple TV, Where A Murder Unearths Secrets Among A Group Of Longtime Friends
Sports California Deandre Ayton Lebron James Los Angeles Lakers Luka Doncic Luke Kennard Marcus Smart Rui Hachimura
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