The Lakers in "pure reality" need 2 wins to be assured of a playoff spot (the best GDS can finish is 42-40, and 2 wins for LAK would put them at 42-40, and they own the tie breaker with GDS). However, they have a home game against SEA & a road game at SAC (which would be the last game of the season for each team) still to come. On present form, neither of those 2 fixtures presents a harder task than the one they face tonight - both are eminently winnable games for LAK, even despite their form.
The question thats arisen for me in light of the above, is how seriously do the Lakers want to win this from a money POV. Both these teams play at the same venue. Both these teams making the playoffs means double the revenue for that venue (in terms of tickets, etc). This is a huge game for LAC in terms of making those playoffs, given this is their game in hand over GDS, and they're .5 of a game back.
Would LAK take the slim risk of not making the playoffs themselves for in-house business reasons? The fact is that even with a win here the Clippers are the most likely of these 3 teams (LAK, GDS, LAC) still not to make the playoffs (since they have to play at PHX yet, a loss that likely ends their chances unless GDS slips somehow with their remaining cupcake games [Dallas excepted]), so the real risk to LAK's playoff hopes with a throw isnt that severe, it simply gives LAC a much better chance.
Of course, the Lakers make the post season with a win here tonight, given LAC has that PHX road fixture to come, it would condemn them to winning at most 40 games (& GDS simply isnt going to slip up to that degree with what they have left).
BTW, I didnt mention NOK because their hopes are a joke.
