The Los Angeles Lakers enter the final day of the regular season hoping to make their imprint and secure their position in the standings. Los Angeles has the eighth seed heading into Sunday after a grind-out win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday.

They’ve been up and down all season, but now they have the opportunity to place themselves in the greatest possible position for success. For the Lakers, the answer is simple. If they can beat the New Orleans Pelicans on the road, they will get the eighth seed. However, a loss brings up new possibilities for the team.

The Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors are the two teams trailing the Lakers, with both holding the tiebreaker over Los Angeles. If the Lakers lose to the Pelicans on Sunday, they might slip as low as the tenth seed, depending on the other games.

The Kings and Warriors have easier home games on Sunday. Sacramento faces the lowly Portland Trail Blazers, while Golden State welcomes the Utah Jazz. A win by either of these two clubs, combined with a Lakers defeat, would propel them to at least the ninth spot.

Essentially, the Lakers must win Sunday at New Orleans. If they do this, they will secure the eighth seed and have at least two chances to make the official playoff bracket. Ironically, if they win on Sunday, they could set up a rematch with the Pelicans a few days later.

New Orleans is also fighting for seeding, so they will have something to play for on Sunday. If they win, they will secure the sixth seed. But a loss combined with a win by the Phoenix Suns may propel New Orleans to seventh place.

Los Angeles now has power over its own fate, which has not been the case in a long time. The difference between playing in the 7/8 Play-in Game and the 9/10 is significant. The clock is ticking, and the Lakers have more opportunities to shine.