Los Angeles Lakers Rumors: Mike D'Antoni Expecting A Stronger Lakers Team With Everyone Healthy, Can They Deliver?

Mar 24, 2013 05:59 PM EDT
Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers' (L-R) Dwight Howard, Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash of Canada and Metta World Peace talk during a timeout in their NBA basketball game against the Miami Heat in Los Angeles January 17, 2013"

After numerous injury setbacks, for the first time in months the Los Angeles Lakers have had Pau Gasol, Steve Nash and Dwight Howard all on the court together ready to play.

The three stars haven't played a together for the Lakers at full strength , but now that they are in the lineup, coach Mike D'Antoni expects some big things to occur come playoff time.

D'Antoni had a conversation with Sports Illustrated and he discussed what he expects from the Lakers now that they have their starting lineup completely healthy.

"A lot of decisions were made when Steve wasn't on the floor and Dwight wasn't 100 percent and Pau wasn't playing real well or 100 percent," D'Antoni said. "So you think, 'That's not working, this isn't working,' but when they're all 100 percent it can work."

The Lakers had their full starting five Friday night against the Washington Wizards, but the team could not win despite holding an 18-point lead. In their finally stretch of the regular season, the Lakers are trying to make a strong push for the playoffs and can't afford to lose to below .500 teams like the Wizards.

As of now, the Lakers are in sole possession of the eighth and final seed in the Western Conference, but if they want to advance past the first round, they'll have to move up in the standings.

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