Lakers Secure Playoff Position with Strong Win Over Suns

Coach JJ Redick emphasized on Friday night that the Lakers needn’t focus too much on playoff seeding, especially given their current circumstances.

Following their loss to the Thunder on April 2, where key players Luka Doncic and Austin Reeves were both sidelined for the season, Redick mentioned that thoughts about seeding were likely “off the table.”

However, the Lakers’ 101-73 win against the Suns at Crypto.com Arena not only granted them home-court advantage in the first round but also kept alive their hopes of clinching the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference.

LeBron James shone once again, leading the Lakers with 28 points, 12 assists, 6 rebounds, and 4 steals in just 32 minutes.

Luke Kennard contributed 19 points, Rui Hachimura added 13 points, and Deandre Ayton scored 10 points along with five rebounds.

Marcus Smart, returning after a three-week absence, had a solid performance too, recording six points, seven assists, five rebounds, and two steals.

What It Means

With this win, the Lakers improved their record to 52-29, ensuring they can’t finish lower than fourth place in the Western Conference, following losses by the Rockets and Timberwolves (both at 51-30).

The Rockets’ defeat confirmed their position as the 5th seed. If the Nuggets (currently at 53-28) triumph over the Spurs on Sunday, they’ll claim the No. 3 seed. Conversely, if the Nuggets lose and the Lakers win against the Jazz on Sunday, the Lakers will secure the No. 3 spot.

The Lakers are set to face either the Timberwolves in 6th place or the 5th place Rockets in their first playoff matchup.

Turning Point

Marcus Smart, after missing time due to a right ankle injury, hit two floaters which helped extend the Lakers’ lead to 73-58 and kept them in control throughout the third quarter.

MVP: LeBron James

LeBron, at 41, reinforced his ability with an impressive display, having told fans last weekend, “I can still do it.”

He achieved his third consecutive point-assist double-double since Doncic and Reeves were injured, scoring 22 points in the first half, equaling his best first-half performance this season.

Game Status

The Suns managed to secure 18 offensive rebounds on Friday, scoring 27 second-chance points—a vital contribution, especially in light of the absence of star guard Devin Booker.

In contrast, the Lakers limited the Suns to just four offensive boards in the second half while outscoring them 44-25 in the final two quarters.

Looking Ahead

The Lakers will host the Jazz on Sunday for their last regular season game.