The NBA has introduced a number of unique events to its schedule in recent seasons, either to increase fan interest or deter tanking. The play-in games were held first and were immediately a huge success.
This year, there was a lot more doubt and criticism surrounding the installation of the first-ever In-Season Tournament (IST). But it didn’t take long for supporters to warm up to the notion after a few games.
The Lakers have a significant role in the emerging legacies of these two events because they are such excellent stewards of the league. The Lakers will participate in the play-in game for the third time in four years, barring any unforeseen circumstances.
Additionally, no one played more for the IST this year.
Sadly, there is a drawback to being this year’s outstanding NBA ambassadors. As things stand, the Lakers, who are currently ranked ninth, might be in for an 85-game regular season—sort of.
The In-Season Tournament game is officially a separate entity, existing outside of both the regular season and the playoffs. In a same vein, neither the regular season nor the playoffs include the play-in game.
Additionally, the Lakers’ participation in two play-in games this season is not assured. The squad, which is now ranked ninth, would have to win its first game at home before going on the road for its second match.
Therefore, even though the Lakers’ record might not accurately represent 85 (possible) games, if they participate in both play-in games, fans will have seen this club play 85 times this season before they even made it to the playoffs.
It’s interesting to see that many players have participated in over 82 games previously. Walt Bellamy, who played 88 games in the 1968–69 season despite being traded in the midst of it, now owns the record for most games in a season. There are ten players who have played 85 games or more in a season; Shareef Abdur-Rahim and Theo Ratliff were the most recent to accomplish this feat in 2003–04.
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