The Los Angeles Lakers are currently in the midst of their toughest stretch of the season. Starting last Thursday in Denver, nine of their next 11 games were against playoff teams with six of eight against teams currently bunched up with them in the Western Conference standings.

Breaking down the Lakers' best and worst paths to the Finals.

Why are Lakers playing better defense? Who is fueling their progress? Coach JJ Redick and the Lakers discuss their progress after a win over Minnesota.

LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers gestures to the ref on the ground during the fourth quarter of the game against the Denver Nuggets at Ball A

The Lakers had a golden opportunity. An eight-game homestand spanning 2 1/2 weeks from before the All-Star Game (which was in Los Angeles) through Tuesday against Orlando. Consider it squandered. Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after a swipe to the face by Moritz Wagner of the Orlando Magic during an NBA game at Crypto.

Charles Barkley does not believe that the Los Angeles Lakers are legit contenders for this year's NBA championship.

The Lakers (39-25) look to keep their winning ways going against the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves (40-24) on Tuesday. This is the final match between the two teams this season, as L.A. looks to sweep the regular season series.

LOS ANGELES — Luka Doncic had 31 points, 11 assists and 11 rebounds in his seventh triple-double of the season, and the Lakers overcame LeBron James’ latest injury absence to sweep their season series with the Minnesota Timberwolves with a 120-106 ...