The Los Angeles Lakers have secured a playoff berth in the Western Conference with a 108-102 overtime victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Lakers had a tough season, starting 2-10 and sitting six games below .500 at the trade deadline. LeBron James had 30 points and 10 rebounds, while Dennis Schroder scored 21 points, drilling a tiebreaking 3-pointer on a pass from James with 1.4 seconds left in regulation before icing the win with two free throws with 8.4 seconds left.
Lakers clinch playoff spot after rocky season
The Los Angeles Lakers have clinched a playoff berth in the Western Conference after a difficult season that included a slow start and numerous injuries to key players. The Lakers secured their spot with a 108-102 overtime victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves, with LeBron James leading the way with 30 points and 10 rebounds.
The Lakers started the season 2-10 and were six games below .500 at the trade deadline, but managed to turn things around in the second half of the season. Dennis Schroder returned from a two-game injury absence and stepped up tremendously for the Lakers, while Anthony Davis had 24 points and 15 rebounds.
The Lakers forced overtime after Schroder drilled a tiebreaking 3-pointer on a pass from James with 1.4 seconds left in regulation before icing the win with two free throws with 8.4 seconds left. The Wolves had a chance to win the game in regulation after Davis foolishly fouled Mike Conley on a 3-point attempt, but Conley hit three clutch free throws to tie it.
Despite committing the costly foul that allowed the Timberwolves to force overtime, Anthony Davis had a solid game overall for the Lakers. The seven-time All-Star finished with 24 points, 15 rebounds, and two blocks while shooting an efficient 10-of-18 from the field. Davis’ presence on both ends of the floor was crucial for the Lakers down the stretch, especially in overtime where he scored five of their 12 points to help seal the victory.
The Wolves gave an inspired effort for the first three quarters while playing without starters Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels, but couldn’t hold on in the fourth quarter and overtime. Conley scored 23 points for Minnesota, while Karl-Anthony Towns scored 24 points.
Lakers to face Grizzlies in first round after securing playoff spot
The Los Angeles Lakers will face the second-seeded Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the playoffs after clinching a playoff berth in the Western Conference with a 108-102 overtime victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Lakers had a rocky season, but have been playing well in recent weeks, winning 10 of their last 12 games.
