Los Angeles Lakers Fall To NBA Play-In Tournament, As Playoff Help Fails To Arrive – Deadline
The Los Angeles Lakers did their job in today’s game, beating the Utah Jazz 128-117. But they needed a loss by the Golden State Warriors to avoid falling into the NBA’s play-in tournament.
That help didn’t arrive, as the Warriors pounded the Portland Trail Blazers 157-101, clinching the final guaranteed playoff spot at No. 6 for themselves. The win bumped the Lakers to the No. 7 position.
Instead of a rest, the Lakers will now have to gear up for a home game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday. That game will be televised by TNT. If the Lakers lose, they will still have a shot to stay in the playoffs by winning a game on April 14 against the winner of the other Western conference play-in game.
The regular playoffs start April 15 and are expected to run through June 18.
The Lakers started the season with a 2-10 record, but righted the ship and finished above .500. Still, a team that skews older could have used the time off.
