Following a successful 5-1 road trip, which included consecutive wins against the Toronto Raptors and Washington Wizards, the Lakers returned to practice with a focus on themselves as they enter the final stretch of the season.4 things to keep an eye on during Lakers’ last 5 games

Coach Davin Ham emphasized the importance of sustaining their strengths and addressing areas that need improvement. With only five games remaining, including a back-to-back against the Cleveland Cavaliers and Minnesota Timberwolves, here are five key aspects to watch for with the Lakers (44-33):

Achieving Two-Way Balance: The Lakers have shown progress in finding a better balance between their offense and defense, with improved ratings in both categories during March. This balance is crucial for success in the play-in tournament and playoffs.

Jarred Vanderbilt’s Status: Vanderbilt, who has been sidelined since February due to injury, is expected to be reevaluated early in the coming week. The Lakers have missed his defensive presence and rebounding abilities.

Monitoring the Standings: Despite their recent strong performances, the Lakers have been unable to move higher than ninth place in the Western Conference standings. Every game is crucial as they aim to climb the rankings and secure a favorable position.

Offensive Sets: The Lakers have been incorporating or reintroducing offensive sets from earlier in the season during this final stretch, aiming to fine-tune their offensive execution.

Health and Momentum: As the season comes to a close, the Lakers will need to maintain their health and build on the positive momentum they have generated in recent games.

Overall, the Lakers are focused on themselves and making necessary adjustments to finish the season strong.