To have the best chance at avoiding a pair of road play-in games, the Lakers need to win. And for the loftiest goal — a spot inside the top of the six spots in the West — the Lakers need to win. In a 116-104 win against the West-leading Thunder, the Lakers were dominant, flustering Oklahoma City for all bit the smallest stretches. Over the next 17 minutes or so, Oklahoma City scored just 23 points as the Lakers were at their absolute best. It’s also the Lakers’ third-straight win over Oklahoma City, a team they very conceivably could face in the first round of the playoffs.

Source: Los Angeles Times March 05, 2024 06:52 UTC