LeBron James: Lakers 'Not Really Focused on Seeding' in 2024 NBA Playoff Picture

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James isn't fixated on the NBA standings as the team attempts to improve its position in the Western Conference playoff picture.

"At the end of the day, we're not really focused on seeding," he said, per the Los Angeles Times' Dan Woike. "We're just focused on what we can control. We can't control the seedings if other teams are playing too well still. What you can control is go out and play and try to win as many games as you can and see where you land."

The Lakers still sit ninth in the West at 38-32 after Friday's 101-94 win over the Philadelphia 76ers. They trail the Dallas Mavericks by three games for the sixth seed, which would elevate them out of the play-in tournament.

James' perspective is understandable and probably the right one for him and his teammates to have under the circumstances.

The 20-time All-Star wasn't saying seeding is irrelevant in the abstract or implying there's no difference to finishing in the top six or falling into the play-in.

Climbing up to sixth and avoiding the play-in would obviously be preferable for Los Angeles. Beyond the inherent danger presented by the play-in tournament, logging an extra game or two places an additional physical toll on a team.

To the point James was making, there's only so much the Lakers can do themselves to gain ground on their playoff rivals. They have to treat each of their 12 remaining games like an opportunity to do just that while not assuming they'll get much outside help.

Constantly monitoring the postseason race won't actually change anything for the Lakers in terms of improving their odds, though.