Currently, the Lakers sit in third place with 29 losses, closely trailing the Denver Nuggets, who have fallen to fourth with 30 losses following back-to-back defeats. The Houston Rockets, holding the second seed, have a slightly better record with 27 losses, but they face a daunting schedule ahead. With just five games remaining, the Rockets’ opponents include the Oklahoma City Thunder, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers, and the Lakers, all of which will test their resolve.