The Lakers Push

   If the Lakers' playoff push was not already official, it is now after a 25-point comeback against the Hornets. A few weeks ago, Kobe Bryant guaranteed the Lakers will make the playoffs, and his recent play suggests that he's willing them to the postseason. The Lakers may not exactly be coming together, but they're starting to win games, and have got Utah looking over their shoulder. 

   A little more on Kobe, he was the West Player of the Month in February, and for him, March has come in like a lion. In three games this month, Kobe is averaging 35.3 PPG to go with six assists. Against Atlanta, he turned back the clock with posterizing dunks. Against OKC, he hurt his elbow early and still dropped 30. And last night in New Orleans, he scored 42 and single-handedly engineered the biggest Lakers comeback since 2002. Kobe is a scorer and always will be. And if it's scoring L.A. needs, Kobe can still provide plenty of it, and at an efficient rate too. 

   Despite having no Pau Gasol and an erratic Dwight Howard, the Lakers have clawed their way into the playoff race. Steve Nash, Earl Clark and Jodie Meeks are playing better and it's almost now as if NBA fans are expecting to see the Lake Show playing playoff ball. So, will they make the playoffs? 

   Yes. The Lakers will be in the playoffs as the eight seed. They will pass up the Jazz in the closing weeks and will enter the playoffs with as much momentum as any team. Chalk it up to Jerry Buss's memory, Kobe's mentality and a collection of misfitted talent, but the Lakers will find a way into the playoffs, in what has been a hugely tumultuous season. Whew. 

Projected West Final Standings 

1. Spurs: No Parker, no problem. A home-heavy schedule keeps them in the top spot. 

2. Thunder: Westbrook is playing his best ball of the season, and coming off a huge road win vs. Clippers. 

3. Clippers: Been playing very steady lately, but trouble vs. the top teams may be worrisome come playoffs. 

4. Nuggets: Ty Lawson maintains his high level of play, and Denver gets homecourt in Round 1. 

5. Grizzlies: The Grizzliess game travels well, but well enough for the thin air in Denver? We'll see. 

6. Rockets: An easy upcoming schedule and a high-octane offense. Rockets-Clippers is a first round treat. 

7. Warriors: Stumbling a bit lately, but Curry's sweet shooting will get Dubs in for first time since 2007. 

8. Lakers: Scroll up. 

9. Jazz: Poor team on the road. They regret not grabbing Eric Bledsoe while watching the playoffs. 

10. Blazers: First half playoff hopes weren't real, but that Damian Lillard guy sure is. Blazers are on the up. 

11. Mavericks: A second straight lost year only further guarantees that Cuban will splurge this summer. 

12. Timberwolves: Snake bitten by injuries, Love's return ends Minnesota's season on a high note. 

13. Hornets: The pre-Pelicans have their star in Anthony Davis, and that's a great start for rebuilding. 

14. Suns: Not sure what the plan is here, but their foreign talent keeps them out of the West cellar. 

15. Kings: A true mess. That loss against Miami will go down as the season highlight.