I think they still got a pretty good at getting there. I don't think Portland can keep up this pace so I think that final seed is still fairly open. I think Utah may actually be more of a threat to LA for that 8th seed than Portland are.
I'm not as down on Portland as some people seem to be. The main weakness for them is their bench, which is pathetic.
But that starting lineup is one of the better units in the NBA. LaMarcus is an All-Star caliber big man, and Lillard is a prolific guard who already has the poise of a veteran. Matthews, Batum, and Hickson are all quick, athletic, talented supporting players.
You add a decent bench to that team and they could legitimately win 50+ games.
As it is, I wouldn't bet against them making the playoffs, though I do think they'll fall off their current pace a bit. But they're a better team than the Lakers.
That's one of the most talented starting fives in the league. Their bench is a problem, though. If anyone goes down, they are in trouble. Even if they manage to stay healthy, there's a good chance of them wearing themselves out.
They kind of have the same problem as the Lakers, albeit, they are younger and their main guys ought to be more durable.