Lakers, Warriors in Precarious Positions as NBA Season Winds Down

The two teams were in a virtual tie for ninth place in the West, meaning a win-or-go-home play-in game is likely.

LeBron James (23) drives to the basket against Sacramento at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on March 6, 2024. Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

While it might not have seemed particularly likely beforehand, considering they each had to beat a higher-seeded team to get there, the longtime-rival Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors treated California basketball fans to an entertaining second-round NBA playoff series last spring.

Chances of a repeat scenario playing out this year are remote at best.