The Los Angeles Lakers are gearing up for a crucial matchup against the Washington Wizards, but they'll be doing it without their star, Luka Doncic, who’s sitting out due to a one-game suspension. Despite this setback, the Lakers have plenty of motivation to bring their A-game.
A victory over the Wizards, combined with a Phoenix Suns loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, would clinch the Pacific Division title and secure a playoff berth for the Lakers. Currently, they hold the No. 3 spot in the Western Conference with a 48-26 record.
The Suns are trailing the Lakers by seven games in the division standings, sitting at 41-33. Their recent 125-123 loss to the Denver Nuggets on March 25 gave the Lakers a bit of breathing room. Los Angeles has been on a roll, winning their last two games against the Indiana Pacers and Brooklyn Nets, and they had a nine-game winning streak snapped only by a tough loss to the Detroit Pistons on March 23.
The Wizards, on the other hand, have had a rough season with a 17-57 record, making them a favorable opponent for the Lakers to secure a win at home. While Phoenix managed to beat the Grizzlies back in January, they’ve struggled in their recent encounters with Memphis, losing six straight in the series dating back to the 2023-2024 season.
The Suns did snag a 134-109 victory over the Utah Jazz on March 28, but they’ve been inconsistent, enduring a five-game losing streak earlier in March before winning two of their last three.
If the Lakers can pull off a division win on Monday night at the Staples Center, it would mark their first division crown since the 2019-2020 season-a year that saw them capture the NBA title in the bubble.
With Doncic out due to his 16th technical foul of the season, the Lakers will look to Austin Reaves to step up. Additionally, Jake LaRavia and Luke Kennard might see increased minutes, giving them a chance to shine against the Wizards.