Ranked 8th at the end of the regular season in the West with 47 wins for 35 losses, Los Angeles traveled to the New Orleans Pelicans (7th, 49v-33d) with the N.7 seed of the playoffs at stake. The Lakers were able to count on their two superstars: LeBron James (23 points, 9 assists, 9 rebounds, 3 interceptions, 2 blocks) as well as Anthony Davis (20 points, 15 rebounds, 3 blocks).
On the other side, Zion Williamson scored no less than 40 points, accompanied by 11 rebounds and 5 assists, but NOLA did not hold up against the Purple and Gold train, which gained speed at the end of the season.
The Lakers thus reach the playoffs and they will face the reigning champions, Nikola Jokic's Denver Nuggets, in the first round.
For New Orleans, there remains a chance with a new final for the No. 8 seed, against the Sacramento Kings. The latter took over the Golden State Warriors, after a regular season which saw both teams finish with the same record of 46 wins and 36 losses.
On their floor, the Kings dominated their Californian neighbors thanks to 32 points and 9 rebounds from Keegan Murray as well as a double-double from Domantas Sabonis (16 points, 12 rebounds, 7 assists). Stephen Curry (22 points) accumulated 6 turnovers and failed to set the tone for the Warriors.
The winner of the match between Pelicans and Kings will face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the playoffs.
