The Los Angeles Lakers earned a key 123-118 win against the San Antonio Spurs Friday to improve to 31-27 on the season. They still hold the ninth-best record in the NBA’s Western Conference, meaning they’re on the playoff bubble.

If the season ended today, the Lakers would have to play in the play-in tournament to have a shot at clinching a playoff spot.

However, for the Lakers to keep this spot — or move up the standings — they have a tough road ahead.

The Lakers will have seven teams with better records than them over their next nine games. This includes games against the 33-24 Phoenix Suns, 37-18 Los Angeles Clippers, 38-19 Denver Nuggets, 39-17 Oklahoma City Thunder, 32-23 Sacramento Kings, 39-17 Minnesota Timberwolves, and 36-21 Milwaukee Bucks.

With six of those seven opponents, including teams in the Western Conference, getting these wins will be extra important for a shot at moving up the standings.

Still, there should be no excuses for a team with Anthony Davis, D’Angelo Russell and LeBron James. After making the Western Conference Finals a season ago, failing to make the playoffs this season would be a huge disappointment.

The good news for the Lakers hopes heading into this vital stretch is they have James back. James missed the Lakers’ game Thursday against the Golden State Warriors due to an ankle injury but was already back Friday to help his team notch a victory over the Spurs. James’ play will be essential for the Lakers to make their postseason run.