The Los Angeles Lakers got a good win against the Chicago Bulls in their latest game, and it moved them up to the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference standings. They have started to find some rhythm over the last few games, and now many are wondering if they can be a real threat to finish the season and make the playoffs.
Brian Windhorst has heard about JJ Redick and LeBron James meeting, seen the defense improve, and seen other players step up, and he believes there's a chance the Lakers could be a team to keep an eye on.
“JJ Redick is selling these guys on working hard,” Windhorst said on First Take. "He's making some changes to his scheme, he's playing more zone, he's coaching them very hard to make them better. I can see a path where they can make a run. I don't know if they will.
"I've heard LeBron talk about reducing his role and changing the way he plays. I've heard about JJ meeting with him and having an open conversation. I'm watching Luka play, I'm watching Reeves play. There's a way. It could happen."
.@WindhorstESPN The word “dangerous” is being debated in relation to the Lakers as a potential 3-seed in the West ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/Zu5W5W8IxA
- First Tech (@FirstTech) 13 March 2026
The Lakers have the potential to be a team that can make a move, but you also have to take into account the other teams around them.
Teams like the Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets and Minnesota Timberwolves could give the Lakers trouble, and they are also fighting to reach the No. 3 seed.
The Lakers have matchups coming up against the Nuggets and Rockets, and that could be a good litmus test for where they stand against some of their competition. In the end, taking the Lakers to where they want to go may depend on the big three of Doncic, Reeves and James.
