Lakers News | Los Angeles Lakers Facing 'Must Win' Situation Against New Orleans L I K E || S H A R E || S U B S C R I B E || C O M M E N T S The Lakers' 126-121 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday only served to elevate the stakes for their next game, which is on the road against the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday. With nine games left to play, L.A. is presently ranked No. 9 in the Western Conference, while the Pelicans are just a half-game behind them at No. 10. The Lakers' lead might be bolstered by Sunday's game, which will help them host the Pelicans in the 9-10 play-in game. Alternatively, it may turn the Lakers into a club that is frantically fighting to hold on to the final play-in slot in order to be rewarded with the opportunity to play it on the road. "It's going to be a playoff-type of atmosphere for us because it's definitely a must-win, I believe, for our group," said Russell Westbrook, Who had 24 points, nine rebounds, eight assists and seven turnovers in James' absence against the Sixers?