Lakers Can Secure West Group B with Victory Over Clippers
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The Los Angeles Lakers can clinch first place in West Group B of the 2025 Emirates NBA Cup on Tuesday when they meet the Los Angeles Clippers at Crypto.com Arena.
Both teams enter the matchup 2-0 in group play. The Lakers have already defeated the Memphis Grizzlies and New Orleans Pelicans, while the Clippers own wins over the same opponents. A win Tuesday would give the Lakers the head-to-head tiebreaker against the Clippers and Grizzlies, locking them into the single-elimination knockout round regardless of Friday’s group finale against the Dallas Mavericks.
Group B scenarios
- Lakers clinch the group with a win over the Clippers.
- Clippers move into first place with a win but cannot secure qualification unless Memphis loses to New Orleans on Wednesday; the Clippers and Grizzlies play Friday.
Head coach Darvin Ham’s club rides a four-game winning streak and recently welcomed LeBron James back for his first appearance of the season. The Clippers have dropped four of their last five, though Kawhi Leonard returned in their most recent outing and is expected to play Tuesday.
The Lakers will be without starting center Deandre Ayton, who suffered a right knee contusion during Sunday’s victory over the Utah Jazz. Jaxson Hayes and Maxi Kleber are expected to handle front-court minutes in his absence.
The NBA reports that seven knockout-round berths remain available across all groups as the final three Cup nights of the group stage unfold over the next four days.
Source: Lakers Nation
