Heading into the final stretch of the 2017-18 NBA season, it can be difficult for a young team like the Los Angeles Lakers to play to their potential after being eliminated from playoff contention and dealing with injuries. After showing heart against the Milwaukee Bucks, the Lakers lost a game they should have won to the Sacramento Kings.

Following the team's 84-83 loss, head coach Luke Walton discussed how they need to stay mentally composed for the remainder of the season.

“We have a responsibility to them (fans), to ourselves, to our organization to play extremely hard, no matter what,” Walton said. “If we do that, we will finish the season more advanced, further along, more mentally tough than if we just give in and say ‘hey, it has been a solid year, let's get after it this summer and see what we can do next year.'”

As the Lakers play their true final road game of the season (excluding road game against Los Angeles Clippers), it will be interesting to see how they respond against the Utah Jazz. While it is unclear if Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram will play, Los Angeles needs to continue to build good habits and re-establish their competitiveness.

With six games remaining in the season, it is also important to be mindful of injuries. Although wins are the top priority, having the young core relatively healthy heading into the offseason is just as important. As the Lakers are looking to be major players in free agency, the continued development of the young core will be key in making Los Angeles an attractive destination once again.