Lakers Secure Top-Six Seed and Repeat as Pacific Division Champions
lakers-secure-top-six-seed-and-repeat-as-pacific-division-champions
The Los Angeles Lakers have locked up a guaranteed postseason berth and the Pacific Division crown for the second year in a row. Their place inside the Western Conference’s top six was confirmed on Tuesday night when the Phoenix Suns fell to the Orlando Magic, sealing the Lakers’ status before they even tipped off against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
After hovering near the Play-In line in late February, Los Angeles surged in March, winning 15 of 17 games from Feb. 28 through Mar. 30, including a nine-game streak. The run featured victories over the New York Knicks, Minnesota Timberwolves, Denver Nuggets and a pair of wins against the Houston Rockets.
This marks the second consecutive season the Lakers will bypass the Play-In Tournament. The club had participated in the Play-In three times over the previous four campaigns.
Redick Delivers Another 50-Win Season
Head coach JJ Redick has now guided Los Angeles to 50 or more wins and a top-six finish in each of his first two seasons. Prior to his arrival, the franchise had reached the 50-win plateau only once in the previous 13 years. His tenure has coincided with the addition of superstar Luka Doncic, further boosting the team’s standing in the West.
Upcoming Break Offers Needed Rest
Clinching early guarantees the Lakers five full days off between the regular-season finale on Sunday, Apr. 12, and their first playoff game, which will fall on either Saturday, Apr. 18, or Sunday, Apr. 19. The downtime is expected to help a roster that has battled injuries, notably to Austin Reaves and LeBron James.
James Praises Team Chemistry
James believes the Lakers’ cohesion could propel them beyond last season’s first-round exit against Minnesota. “We’re in a good place right now,” he said after a recent victory. “The chemistry is high. Everyone loves being around each other. We love playing for one another. We love being off the floor with one another. It’s a good tight-knit group and we gotta carry that for the rest of the regular season, then I feel like the postseason is a whole new season.”
The Lakers will look to capitalize on their momentum and added rest when the playoffs open next week.
Source: Lakers Nation
