The Los Angeles Lakers are on a roll, securing their spot as the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference after a convincing 116-97 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday. This win marked their fourth straight and ninth in the last 10 games, showcasing their impressive form as the playoffs approach.
Anthony Davis, who had a stellar performance with 22 points, 13 rebounds, six blocks, four assists, and three steals, expressed the team’s confidence in their abilities. “We’re very confident in our ballclub,” Davis said, acknowledging the competitive nature of the Western Conference.
LeBron James contributed a double-double with 24 points and 12 assists, while D’Angelo Russell led the team in scoring with 28 points, shooting efficiently from both the field and beyond the arc. Russell’s recent performances have been crucial in providing the Lakers with an additional scoring threat.
Davis attributed the team’s success to their enjoyment on the court and their ability to hold each other accountable without taking criticism personally. “We’re having fun, we’re having a great time out there playing basketball, and we’re staying together,” he said.
The Lakers are currently just a half-game ahead of the Sacramento Kings and a half-game behind the New Orleans Pelicans for the No. 7 seed. The winner of the game between the Nos. 7 and 8 seeds clinches the No. 7 seed, while the loser faces the winner of the game between the Nos. 9 and 10 seeds for the No. 8 seed. By finishing in at least eighth place, the Lakers will have two chances to win a play-in tournament game and secure their spot in the playoffs.
As the regular season comes to a close, the Lakers will face the Minnesota Timberwolves, Golden State Warriors, Memphis Grizzlies, and Pelicans in their remaining games.
