Lakers fly by the Rockets to clinch the 3rd seed
The Lakers (50-31) played the Rockets (52-29) tonight at home at Crypto.com Arena. It wasn’t quite the bout it would’ve seemed like on paper because all of Houston’s starters, minus Jalen Green, were out tonight.
Los Angeles came into the night knowing that with only two games remaining, they had to win one game to clinch the 3rd seed. With homecourt advantage in the first round on the line, the Lakers answered the call.
THE LAKERS HAVE CLINCHED THE 3RD SEED IN THE WEST, THE PACIFIC DIVISION TITLE, AND A 50-WIN SEASON 🔥
THE JOURNEY TO BANNER 18 STARTS SOON 😈 pic.twitter.com/cLwerMbjfK
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) April 12, 2025
Typical Luka Masterpiece
With the playoffs around the corner, the newest Lakers player is getting very comfortable and very hot. Yet again, Doncic dominated the first quarter and set the game off on the right foot. Luka recorded 15 points, four rebounds, and three assists on 5/8 shooting.
That was just the beginning, as he finished the game with 39 points. Tonight was yet another example of Luka’s ever-growing comfortability. He has been averaging 32 PPG over his last six games, and with the closure he got in Dallas Wednesday night, his chemistry with his Lakers teammates is at an all-time high.
Playoff Luka merged with Playoff LeBron on eight days of rest sounds like a nightmare.
LeBron Injury Scare
In the 3rd quarter, on a non-contact play, LeBron seemed to have tweaked his lower body and came out of the movement grimacing. Once he hit the sidelines, he was attended to by the Lakers’ medical staff, who wrapped his groin.
With his history of groin injuries, including this season’s, it was quite the scare for Lakers fans, especially with the playoffs right around the corner.
Luckily, thanks to his boisterous activity on the bench once he was subbed out, mixed with comments from Luka and Redick saying he’s fine, it became clear that whatever LeBron tweaked is nothing to be concerned about.
Redick added that LeBron is “fine.” James checked out in the third quarter with LA up big.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) April 12, 2025
Huge night for Lakers and JJ
Tonight, the Lakers accomplished something they hadn’t done since 2012. By locking up the 3rd seed, they secured homecourt advantage in the first round of the playoffs.
It was also the Lakers’ first time winning 50 games in a season since the 2019-20 season, where they won the title. Fifty wins is important for more than one reason. JJ Redick accomplishing that feat in his first season with zero prior experience is remarkable.
Austin Reaves on JJ Redick: “I can’t give him enough credit for what he’s done for me. I’d go to war for him any day.” #Lakeshow
— LoJo Media (@LoJoMedia) April 12, 2025
Through personal disasters and an earth-shattering trade, he turned the Lakers into a 50-win team and established a culture that’s built to last.
The team’s vibes could not be higher going into the playoffs, and with one game left to go, the team and fans alike are chomping at the bit.
Mood 😃 pic.twitter.com/EdVi3XSukq
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) April 12, 2025
