Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors considers the new-look Lakers a “serious threat” in the Western Conference if they can make it to the playoffs. The Lakers have added depth to their roster with sharpshooters Malik Beasley and D’Angelo Russell on the offensive end, and defensive player Jarred Vanderbilt. The team needs to secure their spot in the postseason first to justify their capabilities. The Lakers are currently ranked 10th in the West, but they have played better since the trade deadline. They are only three wins away from catching the sixth-seeded Golden State Warriors. However, the Lakers need both of their leading stars, LeBron James and Anthony Davis, to be back in full health. Even if one of them is injured, it would be hard to imagine them making noise in the postseason. If the Lakers can make it to the playoffs via the play-in tournament, they will play either the No. 1 or No. 2 seeded team in the West in the first round. It remains to be seen where the Lakers will finish this season, given the tight race in the Western Conference.