Poll: Will the Lakers make the playoffs? - Los Angeles Times
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Poll: Will the Lakers make the playoffs?

Kobe Bryant has averaged 45 minutes a game over the last six games.
(Stephen Dunn / Getty Images)
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The Lakers are currently in eighth place in the Western Conference with a one-game lead over ninth-place Utah.

They have three games left in their season, all at home. They play Golden State on Friday, San Antonio on Sunday and Houston on Wednesday.

Utah, on the other hand, has only one home game remaining (against Minnesota on Friday) before playing at Minnesota on Monday and at Memphis on Wednesday.

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That bodes well for the Lakers, who are 26-12 at home while the Jazz is 12-27 on the road.

Now for a look at the Lakers’ upcoming opponents. The Jazz may have the edge here.

The Lakers are 2-1 in their season series against the Warriors, 0-2 against San Antonio and 1-2 against Houston.

The Jazz is 2-0 against Minnesota and 1-2 against Memphis.

Something else to consider: The Kobe Bryant factor.

It seems as though Bryant, who is 34 years old, is trying to will his team into the postseason. He scored a season-high 47 points in 48 minutes against Portland on Wednesday and, over the last six games, he has averaged 45 minutes and helped his team go 5-1.

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Can he keep that up? Can the Lakers, who were once predicted to be title contenders, eke into the postseason? Or is it just too little too late?

Vote in the poll below and let us know what you think.

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