The Western Conference playoff race is packed, with just five games separating the fourth seed Suns from the 12th seed Jazz. The Lakers are ninth, but position is far from solid. The Thunder and Mavericks are nipping at their heels, each with the same record or better.

LeBron James and the Lakers face a tough challenge with three games left. Up first is the Phoenix Suns, who are locked in as the No. 4 seed, followed by the Utah Jazz, who are desperate for a win to stay in playoff contention. The team ends the season against the Portland Trailblazers.

Winning all three games would be ideal but tough for the Lakers, who are struggling with injuries and inconsistent play. The Thunder and Mavericks must lose at least one game each to give the Lakers a chance to secure a playoff spot.

The Clippers are threatening to take the sixth spot but have a tougher schedule than the Lakers. The Warriors, who sit in eighth, face the Blazers and Kings with hopes to stay in front of the Lakers.

With the Western Conference playoff race so tight, every game matters, and the Lakers will have to bring their A-game to secure a spot in the postseason. Can LeBron and his teammates step up? |||||