It was overshadowed by Luka Doncic‘s emotional return to Dallas, but the Lakers clinched a playoff spot with tonight’s 112-97 win over the Mavericks, tweets Dave McMenamin of ESPN. At 49-31, L.A. can wrap up the No. 3 seed by winning Friday at home against Houston or Sunday at Portland.
Doncic led the way on Wednesday with 45 points after the Mavs welcomed him back with a tribute video during pregame introductions (Twitter link from Grant Afseth of Dallas Hoops Journal). Dallas fans cheered wildly for their former franchise player when his name was announced and continued to show their support throughout the game.
“I don’t know how I did it,” Doncic told ESPN (Twitter link). “Because when I was watching that video, I was like, ‘There’s no way I’m playing this game.'”
The improbable addition of Doncic shortly before the trade deadline in February changed the course of the Lakers’ season, setting them up as a dangerous opponent heading into the playoffs. Doncic is surrounded by a roster that’s just as talented as the one he led to the NBA Finals last year, and he appears to be fully healthy after dealing with a string of injuries during the first half of the season.
LeBron James continues to perform at an All-NBA level after turning 40 in December, averaging 24.5 points, 7.9 assists and 8.3 assists in 68 games heading into tonight. He and Doncic are both creative passers with elite court vision and a history of playoff success.
Austin Reaves gives the Lakers a reliable third scorer who can carry the offense on any given night. Reaves has been handed a larger role under first-year coach J.J. Redick and has responded with career highs of 20.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and 5.8 assists in 71 games.
The Lakers made another significant move at the deadline, acquiring Mark Williams from Charlotte in exchange for Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish and draft assets, but they later rescinded the deal due to concerns about Williams’ health following his physical. That decision left Jaxson Hayes as the team’s starting center with little proven help off the bench to back him up.
L.A. may have another roster move to make before the regular season ends. Jordan Goodwin was promoted from a two-way contract to a standard deal in late March, and either Christian Koloko or Trey Jemison is reportedly being considered for a spot on the 15-man roster to become eligible for the playoffs. Veteran center Alex Len appears to be most in danger of being waived if that happens.
Wait what? Not on Steph Curry Day. Are the Spurs even trying to win games, lol.
You just know Harrison Barnes wanted that one.
Kerr mismanaged the bench, as usual.
The teams in this cluster who are serious are posting wins in the west right now. Lakers Nuggets Clippers. It’s not time to mess around.
A loss this week could put you in the play in and that is never good for your claim that you’re “going to win the championship.”
Seriously what a disappointment last night.., going half speed because “it’s the Spurs.”
What a load of crap.
Disgusting game all-round by the Warriors. Harrison Barnes owns GSW. Buddy Hield is worthless. GSW should fire Kerr now. Kerr has never been able to get his team to focus or fire them up, he’s too soft and player-friendly, winning games isn’t what he does best.
A game after TJD showed he should be in the rotation, Kerr gives him 2:47 of playing time. Ket TOs by Draymond and Steph left the door open.
“Key” TOs
I’ve been telling friends for a while I don’t view Dubs as more than spoilers in this year’s playoffs; they still don’t have enough offensive punch – sign and trade Kuminga in the offseason for Cam “The Freaking Man” Johnson, and that quickly fixes the deficiency. But last night cemented things for a lot of people: OKC-HOU-LAL-LAC are the 4 you’ve gotta take seriously in the West; I don’t think there’s as many to take seriously in the East.
I don’t think you can count out any of the 4-8 west teams. Depending on the matchups, there’s a case for all of them to advance to the WCF.
Davey, just last week when you were creaming your shorts with joy when they beat the lakers… saying they’re the favorites now… but today it’s so desperate they should fire Kerr. You need bi-polar meds bro
The suns has set on arizona…poor Ishbia getting so many petty texts from Dan Gilbert rn lol
With all these sudden exits wonder if KD will retire?
Basketball is KD’s entire life – zero chance he retires.
Yeah but he is totally humiliated
I have nothing against GSW. In fact, I really like Curry. But seeing Davey melt down is more satisfying.
Lakers out in R1 regardless of where they seed.
They have a great chance to beat my clippers
Bull. Lakers will be a hard out.
Lakers will be a hard out
Wishful thinking noted
What are you basing this on? Oh, I get it, youRe a hater. Round 1,really?
Trading for Jimmy Butler yet only making the play in game is such a letdown for this team. They aren’t going anywhere in the playoffs. Erratic play from everyone, bad coaching. This team is simply not good enough to make any noise in the playoffs. I see a hard fought 1st round exit by this team (assuming they win the play in).
They aren’t stuck in the play-in yet.
Amazingly, there’s still a chance for a 5-way tie at the end, and in that case GSW is the 6 seed.
1 more win to go fellas, keep your heads down
Marvelous job this year JJ