“I feel like when we are at our best, I don’t see many teams being better than us” - Juan Toscano-Anderson doubles down on the Lakers playoff chances
Juan Toscano-Anderson
© Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
His team may be currently under .500, but Los Angeles Lakers forward Juan Toscano-Anderson not only believes they will make the playoffs, but they’ll be hard to beat in a seven-game series.
An uneven start to LA
The Mexican-born utility made his way to the purple and gold this offseason, following a championship campaign with the Golden State Warriors.
“JTA”’s individual minutes have been sporadic this season under new head coach Darvin Ham, but when he has taken to the floor his energy and defensive effort have been contagious, often giving the roster a much-needed boost when they’re stuck in first gear.
Faith in the squad
Recently, the 29-year-old doubled down on his squad making the playoffs and making some noise when they get there.
“We are a playoff team. We can win a series. We can win 2 series. Now I’m not going to sit here and say that we are going to do that but basketball is not just X’s and O’s. You are looking for everything that works well together. The spacing, the timing, everybody plays differently, and I think going back to you know everybody’s new year for the most part. New coaching staff, 80% of the roster is new here. We are all trying to figure it out.
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Some games we’ve been able to click, and some games we have that missing piece. And that is what the regular season is for. I feel like when we are at our best I think we can win some series for sure. I don’t see many teams being better than us,” he said.
The Lakers have shown glimpses
Their record may not show it on paper, but Toscano-Anderson’s comments elude to the flashes of excellence the Lakers have shown in spurts this season.
After starting the season 2-10, they rallied to win 10 of their next 17 games before star big man Anthony Davis went down with a foot injury against the Denver Nuggets - halting their momentum.
Ever since, the roster has been trying to stay afloat without his services, and keep in touch with the Western Conference playoff picture until his return in the next few weeks.
In his absence, the Lakers have been led by leader LeBron James, who continues to defy the odds in Year 20 with his performances, but his carrying power is limited at age 38.
Despite James’ best efforts, the franchise still currently sits an alarming 13th in the West with a 19-23 record.
If Toscano-Anderson is correct in his assessment they’ll need to make a move up the standings sooner rather than later, as we’ve just ticked over halfway through this new campaign.
