Los Angeles Lakers Face Final Regular Season Game Impacting Playoff Seeding

The NBA regular season concludes on Sunday, April 13, 2026, with all 30 teams playing. m. Eastern Time will determine their final seeding alongside the Denver Nuggets' matchup against the San Antonio Spurs at the same time.

The Nuggets hold the third spot with a 53-28 record. A Lakers win would bring their record to 53-29, while a Nuggets loss would match their records. This scenario could secure the third seed for the Lakers, leading to a first-round playoff matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Even if the Lakers lose or the Nuggets win, the Lakers are assured of at least the fourth seed. This position would still allow them to host the opening-round series against the fifth seed. The Lakers have a 3-0 record against the Timberwolves this season.

Recent Team Performance and Injuries The Lakers secured a win two days prior, clinching home-court advantage for the first round.

The team has faced injuries to key players, including Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, during a loss earlier this month. It remains unclear if or when these players will return for the postseason. LeBron James has contributed to the team's efforts amid these challenges.

In past seasons, his teams achieved higher division leads and playoff positions. This season has included ups and downs, particularly after the All-Star break when the team performed well until the injuries occurred.

Nuggets' Status and Broader Context Nikola Jokic of the Nuggets was listed as questionable for their Sunday game as of Saturday.

The Nuggets have won 11 consecutive games. The outcomes of these games will affect home-court advantages and initial playoff matchups for both teams. Fans and observers will monitor the results closely.

The playoffs begin shortly after the regular season ends, with seeding influencing series formats and locations. Both teams prepare for potential hosting duties in the first round.