The Lakers could end up with home court advantage for the first-round:
After being in the Top-3 in the Western Conference standings back in February, the Los Angeles Lakers have slipped all the way down to the 5-seed in the West due to both Anthony Davis and LeBron James being out with injuries.
Big picture wise, the Lakers probably do not care who they have to play in the playoffs since they are the defending world champions and know they are the team to beat at full strength, but matchups and home court advantage is definitely a big deal in the playoffs.
Right now, the Lakers are the 5-seed and would be set up for a matchup against the Denver Nuggets in a series that would be predominantly played in Denver. The Nuggets would host the first two games of the series and then the potential for a winner-take-all Game 7 in Denver.
Having home court advantage could definitely play to the advantage of the Lakers, especially since they have been dealing with all of these injuries.
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Having access to their own equipment for more time and being in their home city definitely aids them in this category, which is why Davis’ return could help the Lakers ascend back to a Top-4 seed in the Western Conference.
