Are the Lakers a Playoff Team?

The Lakers hit some roadblocks during the last week or so as they have stumbled against the league's elite -- the San Antonio Spurs and the Golden State Warriors.  After playing the Spurs in a tight game (the Lakers were within 4 points during the 4th quarter), the veteran Spurs were just too good and too solid for the young Lakers.  The Lakers rebounded by beating Russell Westbrook and the OKC Thunder at home, with Nick Young hitting a game winning 3 pointer with seconds left to thwart a rather gallant comeback by the Thunder.  But then injuries hit, with D'Angelo Russell tweaking his left knee, Julius Randle with a hip pointer, and Nick Young with a bruised, nearly broken toe.  Ultimately, 2 more losses back to back against the Warriors in Oakland and then back at home at the Staples.  Angelenos are pretty sure this is just a temporary slide due to injuries so we won't get too concerned.  It will give other a shot to step up from the "bench" and succeed, such as Jordan Clarkson and Brandon Ingram.  Clarkson has already proven himself but Ingram really has a chance to gain some solid experience.  He hasn't shot particularly well, but has defended really well and made very good passes.  I don't think anyone is really noticing his point production too much because he has looked very much like he belong on the court.  I'm looking forward to him continuing to succeed because this Lakers team is fun to watch! Going into tonight's game against the Atlanta Hawks, they are 8-9 and out of the top 8 in the West by a hair.  Once their guys get healthy, anything is possible. Go Lakers!