LeBron Explains Lakers' Post-Season Failure, Lonzo Open To Summer Trade

LeBron James has finally conceded that the Los Angeles Lakers have little or no chance to make the playoffs, with just 15 games remaining. They are currently in 11^th place in the Western Conference, 6 games behind the Clippers, who currently occupy the final playoff position in 8^th.

The Lakers seemed to be in a strong position in December when they were in fourth place, having just come off an impressive win over the Golden State Warriors on Christmas Day. They were considered almost certain to be post-season contenders, but an untimely injury to James put paid to their chances.

The three-time NBA champion missed 18 games with a groin injury and during his absence, Luke Walton’s team went 6-12 and dropped to 10^th place. Their record has not improved too much since James’ return and they have dropped one place.

It will be the sixth consecutive season that the Lakers would have missed the playoffs. James is disappointed about missing out on making a post-season appearance for the first time in 13 years but made it clear that 2018 will not be his final time in the post-season since he joined the Lakers to get them back to challenging for titles, not just the playoffs.

"Definitely, I'll be watching it if we're not in there, and it looks like our chances are slim to none after each and every game, and so many teams in the West are playing well," James told ESPN "So you try to get better, but this won't be the last time I'll be in the postseason."

James admitted that it was not on the cards for him and the Lakers to be in the post-season this season and revealed that they have to make the best that he is “dealt” with. It could have been a signal to the Lakers management to get him a better hand for next season.

"Obviously, I would love for the team to be in the postseason," James added after the Lakers' 123-107 win over the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday. "Even if I'm not a part of it, the postseason I've always loved. But right now, it's not (sic) the hand I was dealt, so you play the hand that you were dealt until the dealer shuffles the cards and you're dealt another hand and can do that."

Meanwhile, Lonzo Ball has vowed to keep working and get better despite being hit with a season-ending injury for the second time in two seasons. He suffered an ankle injury around eight weeks back and has now been ruled out for the rest of the campaign.

Ball also addressed the possibility of being traded in the summer as the Lakers pursue a move for New Orleans Pelicans. The point guard is open to a move as his goal is to simply be the best player for whichever franchise he represents.

"I'm very, very motivated," Ball told The Athletic’s Shams Charania. "I want to be the best I can be. I'm looking forward to this summer. I don't look at it as added pressure, because I haven't had a full summer yet to dedicate to myself. I have to keep working on my craft. I'm just happy that I'm going to be healthy.

"It's been frustrating. This is the second year that [a season-ending injury] has happened. But I have to stay positive, stay motivated."

"At the end of the day, you can only control the things that you can control," Ball added. "If I get traded, then I get traded. But I'm going to be ready to go. The goal is to be the best player I can for whichever team."