At this time of year, you'll often hear players talk about how they don't pay attention to what's happening around them in the standings. We just focus on ourselves. We keep it tight, inside the building. We're controlling what we control. And, yeah, sure. Control what you control. That's always sound strategy. But the idea these guys don't pay attention to the standings? To how teams around them are doing? It is, and has always been, a crock of... well, you get it. The Lakers aren't playing that game. Following Monday's win against Houston, everyone in the locker room asked about the Western Conference standings made it very clear that they know what's going on. They pay attention. They follow closely. Why? Because it's really important! The Western Conference is insanely competitive. And so for the Lakers, priority number one is avoiding the play-in. While every team in the league benefits from having time off while lesser teams have to fight to get into the main draw, when a third of your Big Three is 40 years old with 22 years of NBA play on the odometer (LeBron), the next guy has been trying hard to recover from an injury that cost him a huge chunk of the season (Luka) and the third gets hit in the face at least six times a game (Austin Reaves) a little R&R can make a big difference. For the Lakers, not only would that week make it more likely to win their first round matchup, it would increase the odds of doing it quickly, and set them up better to win the next round, too. The good news for LA? Where sometimes there's a temptation to start playing games and try to manipulate the seeding in order to draw a certain opponent, this year there's none of that. First, the conference is too tightly packed to try and thread that needle. There's some real FAFO potential, with that sort of nonsense. But more importantly, there isn't a matchup (i.e. Denver of the last couple seasons) it seems obvious the Lakers NEED to avoid. Every matchup will be tough, but the Nuggets don't have the same mystique anymore. Houston? Memphis? Golden State? Good teams, all, but none seem like they can't be overcome. (The Clippers feel scary, if everyone is playing.) Instead, the goal ought to be to win as many games as possible, to get the tangible rewards of a) potentially earning more home games in the postseason, and b) avoiding Oklahoma City as long as possible. Think of it this way: The Lakers are 17 games over .500. That's really good. They're also 17 games behind OKC. Don't overthink this. If there's a team to avoid as long as possible, it's the Thunder. Land a 2 or a 3 seed, and they're someone else's problem until the Conference Finals. Once critical bit of housekeeping: The Lakers own tiebreakers up and down the playoff ladder. That could come in handy, particularly near the end of the year. Maybe it means the Lakers have a chance to move up on that last day of the season against Portland. Or, even better, maybe they have a seed locked up and can rest some folks. Every little luxury could make a big difference this year. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers know what's happening in the standings. SEGMENT 2: What should they be doing? SEGMENT 3: The most dangerous matchup. Your favorite podcast now has a newsletter! In One-stop for ultimate team and league coverage delivered right to your in box. Sign up for free now, at lockedondaily.com. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! 5-Hour ENERGYHead to 5-hourENERGY.com to find over 15 flavors to choose from, including Watermelon, Blue Raspberry, and Peach-Mango. Need one now? Grab a 5-hour ENERGY shot at your local grocery or convenience store—they’re everywhere! Stock up today and stay energized. 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