Los Angeles Lakers, Team Record and Title Contender Ranking Are Poor

Incomprehensible from a numerical standpoint. If someone didn't know how the classification works and tried to discern it through the analysis of NBA statistics, they would place Los Angeles Lakers in a very low position in the table. There is only one statistical data that supports their presence in the top zone, along with many intangibles, including the magic of their stars.

It is a miracle that is hardly explicable from a logical and statistical point of view that Los Angeles Lakers are in the third position of the Western Conference. When a team ranks as the fourth worst in the entire competition in defensive rating, rebounds, three-point shooting percentage, and the worst in the NBA in bench points, it seems utopian to think they can do well. Yet the Angelinos defy all logic, being contenders for glory if one looks at the classification and, above all, if they reach the end of the game tied.

The Lakers ranks this season…

- DRTG: 26th
- REB: 26th
- 3P%: 26th
- Bench Points: 30th

They are still currently 3rd in the West 😳 pic.twitter.com/UActqyukOn

— Underdog (@Underdog) January 6, 2026

The fundamental factor explaining Los Angeles Lakers' classification position is their ability to prevail in crucial minutes of tied games. When the game reaches the last 5 minutes with a score difference of 5 points or less, the LA franchise is undefeated this season, having won all 13 games in that context. This clearly speaks to the potential of their stars and how they can step up defensively when needed, giving room to dream of a consistent improvement until the playoffs.

After tonight's win, the Los Angeles Lakers are 13-0 in clutch games so far this season!

That's the second longest streak to open a season in the play-by-play era (1997-98) 🚨

The longest?

The Golden State Warriors in 2015-16 (14-0). pic.twitter.com/aaZ6XN49sG

— NBA (@NBA) January 7, 2026

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Los Angeles Lakers, número de equipo pésimo y clasificación de candidato al anillo