Lakers: 3 roadblocks for LeBron James’ 5th NBA title

LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers find themselves in uncharted territory. They’re in the seven seed in the Western Conference, a game behind the Dallas Mavericks. If the season was to end today, the Lakers would find themselves in this season’s expanded play-in tournament to earn a spot in the NBA playoffs.

It’s tough enough to try to repeat as NBA champions from the seven seed, let alone having to do additional battle to actually seal the deal and get into the playoffs. A do-or-die element is added to the proceedings, and that’s something this Lakers squad didn’t expect to face for at least a round or two.

LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers find themselves having to work uphill in their efforts to win another NBA title. Here are the 3 biggest roadblocks.

In a perfect world (if you ask the top dogs at the NBA, ESPN and Turner), the Lakers would qualify for the playoffs in the seven seed, and the Golden State Warriors would take the eighth seed. Considering those are the slots both teams find themselves in, that’s still the most likely outcome, although they’ll actually have to execute to ensure they actually get in.

LeBron James probably won’t get too many more shots at an NBA championship, in spite of his overwhelming greatness. If that means this is his last run, the Lakers have to throw everything into making the most of it. Losing in the play-in and not even qualifying for the playoffs a year after winning his fourth title would be a catastrophe of unparalleled proportions.

Let’s take a look at the three biggest roadblocks in his way.