The Los Angeles Lakers clinched a playoff spot with a 117-91 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night. The win secures the Lakers a place in the postseason for the first time since 2013.
With LeBron James and Anthony Davis leading the charge, the Lakers dominated the game from start to finish. James had 22 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists, recording his 12th triple-double of the season. Davis, meanwhile, scored a game-high 23 points and added six rebounds and six assists.
The Lakers’ defense was also impressive, limiting the Warriors to just 13 points in the first quarter and 17 in the third. Draymond Green, who had been averaging 10.4 points per game, was held scoreless.
The win improves the Lakers’ record to 50-14, which is currently the best in the Western Conference. They have a comfortable lead over the second-place LA Clippers, who are currently six games behind them.
For the Warriors, the loss drops their record to 15-50, which is the worst in the NBA. They have struggled this season, largely due to the absence of star players Steph Curry and Klay Thompson, who have both been out with injuries.
The Lakers’ playoff berth is significant because it marks a return to relevance for one of the NBA’s most storied franchises. The team had struggled in recent years, failing to make the playoffs despite the acquisition of high-profile players like James.
In many ways, the Lakers’ success this season can be attributed to the addition of James and Davis, who have teamed up to form one of the league’s most formidable duos. James has been a dominant force on the court, averaging 25.7 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 10.6 assists per game. Davis, for his part, has been equally impressive, averaging 26.7 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game.
The Lakers will now turn their attention to preparing for the playoffs, where they will be among the favorites to win the NBA championship. With James and Davis leading the charge, the team will be a formidable opponent for any team they face.
Overall, the Lakers’ win over the Warriors was a significant moment for the franchise and its fans, who have been waiting for years to see the team return to the playoffs. With the postseason now secured, the Lakers will look to make a deep run and bring a championship back to Los Angeles.