Lakers Playoff push.....

The LA Lakers are currently sitting in the #2 spot of the Western Conference standings at 50-20. There are 12 games left until the playoffs start and the Lakers already have their eyes set on staying in the #2 spot so that when the playoffs start, they will have homecourt advantage during the first 2 rounds of the playoffs. Looking at the Western Conference standings now:

1. San Antonio Spurs (56-13)
2. Los Angeles Lakers (50-20)
3. Dallas Mavericks (49-21)
4. Oklahoma City Thunder (45-24)
5. Denver Nuggets (41-29)
6. Portland TrailBlazers (40-30)
7. New Orleans Hornets (40-31)
8. Memphis Grizzles (38-32)

If the playoffs were to start today, the potential matchups would be:

1. San Antonio Spurs Vs. 8. Memphis Grizzles
2. Los Angeles Lakers vs. 7. New Orleans Hornets
3. Dallas Mavericks vs. 6. Portland TrailBlazers
4. Oklahoma City Thunder vs. 5. Denver Nuggets

But if it so happens that the Lakers end up in the #3 spot at the end of the regular season, it would mean that they wont have homecourt advantage during the first 2 rounds of the playoffs, would have to play the tougher teams during the first 2 rounds and they would be on the road during most of these games. 

So as the Lakers are playing their last 12 games of the regular season , they need to keep in mind that each game they are playing for is for homecourt advantage during the first 2 rounds of the playoffs and by being in the #2 spot it will make their chances of winning a 3rd NBA title a more little more smoother to accomplish.

ps Congrats on the LA Lakers formally clinching a playoff berth and wrapping up their fourth consecutive Pacific Division title and 50-victory season.