Although this has, so far at least, been a disastrous season for the Los Angeles Lakers, there seems to be a new trickle of optimism flowing within the team.
They have won two of their last three games, both against playoff squads, and at least one member of the Purple and Gold believes there’s a real chance for success come playoff time.
Via The Athletic:
“Internally we feel like we’re a great team and we can do something special,” said D.J. Augustin. “Make a run. Get into the playoffs. And make a run in the playoffs.”
Augustin joined the team a few weeks ago to give it some depth behind Russell Westbrook, especially with Kendrick Nunn, who was supposed to play a key role this year, still sidelined with a bone bruise.
On Monday against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Augustin came in and lifted the Lakers by making all seven of his shots, six of which were 3-pointers.
Westbrook, whose game and efficiency have come and gone all year, has posted three consecutive great games, in which he has not only scored efficiently but also gotten his teammates easy baskets on a consistent basis.
Then there’s LeBron James. He has played great all season, but lately his big numbers have, little by little, seemed to start making an actual impact on the team.
Against his former team, he had 38 points, 11 rebounds and 12 assists while providing several highlight plays. In doing so, he powered L.A. to a 131-120 win over the sixth-seeded squad in the Eastern Conference.
At this level, confidence and belief are half the battle, and if this new belief is no mirage, it could allow the Lakers to surprise people in the coming weeks.
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