Lakers Finally Move Up in Standings, Hoping to Keep 'Fun' Going Strong

The Los Angeles Lakers finally moved up within the Western Conference standings on Saturday, going from the 9th seed to the 8th seed. After taking down the Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles won its 9th game in their last 10 overall contests.

It's been a steady run for the Lakers of late, but they know all too well that things can change in an instant. They now control their own fate when it comes to the standings and possibly avoiding having to win two play-in games, just to enter into the official bracket.

Star Anthony Davis spoke about the mindset of the team after the win over Cleveland, saying that they are confident in taking the floor against anyone.

"We're very confident in our ballclub," Anthony Davis said after putting up 22 points, 13 rebounds, 6 blocks and 3 steals against the Cavs. "We laugh about, like, 'Oh, winning nine out of 10,' and we haven't went anywhere [in the standings]. So, it's how good the West is. But we're confident, very confident in our ballclub and any time we step on the floor."

If this recent play is any indication, the Lakers will be a tough team to beat come playoff time again. Los Angeles made a deep playoff run a year ago as the 7th seed and they are hoping to do the same again.

"I think the biggest difference is just that we're just having fun," Davis said of L.A.'s recent upswing. "We're holding each other accountable. If somebody messes up we're yelling, screaming at him. But nobody is taking it personal. Because we all know what we're here for, to try to win. So we're having fun, we're having a great time out there playing basketball, and we're staying together."

If the Lakers can keep the winning going, they may be able to climb even higher in the standings. They host the Minnesota Timberwolves tonight, in what will be a tough test for a team on a back-to-back.