The Los Angeles Lakers are seeing their chances of making it to the playoffs diminish after a 113-105 defeat to the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night. This loss marks the Lakers’ fifth setback in their last six games.
Currently, the team is sitting 5.5 games behind the eighth and final playoff position in the competitive Western Conference. Despite holding a 82-79 lead in the third quarter, the Lakers couldn’t maintain it as the Clippers surged ahead with a 10-0 scoring run. Reflecting on the game, LeBron James told USA Today, “They just showed more energy towards the end.” James contributed a team-high 27 points during the match.
If the Lakers fail to secure a playoff spot, it would mark the first time LeBron James has missed the playoffs since 2005.
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