Sunday’s win over the New Orleans Pelicans means that the Los Angeles Lakers have locked up the No. 7 spot in the West. This entails a single-game elimination bout against the same opponents, the Pelicans, on Tuesday to determine who will secure the seventh seed in the Playoffs.
More than a few Lakers fans believe, however, that this is a spot LeBron James and Co. must avoid at all costs.
Should Los Angeles Lakers Intentionally Lose Vs. Pelicans?
Losing out to the Pelicans on Tuesday means that the Lakers will have to battle the winner of the other Play-In game between the Sacramento Kings and the Golden State Warriors. The victors of that third and final Play-In contest will secure the No. 8 seed in the West, thereby setting up a date with the conference-best Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round.
Some supporters believe that this would be an easier path for the Lakers as compared to what would happen if they beat New Orleans on Tuesday. A win for LA would match them up against the No. 2 seed in the West, which just happens to be the defending champs Denver Nuggets.
While this argument somewhat makes sense, it assumes that the Lakers will be able to beat either the Kings or the Warriors to clinch a playoff berth, which is obviously a huge task in itself.
Moreover, can you really imagine LeBron James intentionally losing a game?
Avoid Denver at All Costs
Fans on Twitter have been arguing over this notion since the seeds were determined on Sunday. There are more than a few folks out there who seriously believe that LA should tank against the Pelicans:
If the Lakers truly feel that any outcome besides a championship is a failure, they should do their best to give themselves the clearest possible path by throwing Tuesday's play-in game.https://t.co/teRkDBU1Tq
— Harrison Faigen (@hmfaigen) April 15, 2024
And in the most egregious, disrespectful and flamboyant ways possible. Pinot instead of Gatorade. Shoot on their own basket. Only behind the back passes. Two quarters of Maxwell Lewis AND ONLY Maxwell Lewis on the floor. BK
— Kamenetzky Brothers (@KamBrothers) April 15, 2024
They won’t do it but this is the objectively correct approach if they want to maximize their chances. 50/50 vs GSW/SAC and whatever decent % vs OKC is a much clearer path than 0% vs Denver
— z – Molly Smith (@MollySm62661288) April 15, 2024
I agree 100%. As a diehard Lakers fan we need to let the Pelicans beat us Tuesday.
— Jono Barnes (@JonoBarnes) April 15, 2024
For what it’s worth, a lot of fans have also voiced their opinion on how this mindset is total BS. Either way, there’s just no way the Lakers do it — intentionally, at least.
For More NBA Content:
Follow me on Twitter at @PaoloSongcoNBA, and follow us @HardwoodHeroics. You can also reach out to Paolo Songco via email at [email protected]. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest NBA news, click here!