They have seven matches left, mostly away and against strong teams (Utah, Phoenix, Denver twice …), to save what can still be saved. In the meantime, the Los Angeles Lakers are no longer in a position to qualify for the play-in, this four-team mini-tournament which will determine the last two qualified in the play-offs at the end of the regular season.
Tuesday evening, the Californians did not exist on the floor of the Mavs. Currently deprived of LeBron James (ankle) and still awaiting the return of Anthony Davis (foot), they conceded an 8-0 entry (including 6 points from Luka Doncic). Then they ran the rest of the time behind the score and counted up to 37 points behind shortly after half-time (99-62, 28th) on a 3-pointer from the Slovenian, author of a hearty triple double (34 points , 12 rebounds, 12 assists) in just half an hour.
8
This is the eighth time this season that the Lakers have lined up at least three straight losses.
While the Mavs are eyeing the Western Conference podium just one length behind the struggling Golden State Warriors, the Lakers see the San Antonio Spurs pass them by. Lakers and Spurs, who remain on four wins in a row, today have the same record (31 v.-44 d.), but the Texans have the advantage in particular duels (two wins everywhere, +24 in points scored for the Texans in those four games).