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Los Angeles Lakers Face Final Regular Season Game Impacting Playoff Seeding

The Los Angeles Lakers, with a 52-29 record, hold the fourth position in the Western Conference ahead of the NBA regular season's final day on Sunday. Their seeding depends on the outcome of their game against the Utah Jazz and the Denver Nuggets' game against the San Antonio Spurs. The Nuggets lead with a 53-28 record and are on an 11-game winning streak.

Newsweek
1 source·Apr 12, 6:21 PM(23 days ago)·1m read
Los Angeles Lakers Face Final Regular Season Game Impacting Playoff SeedingSubstrate placeholder — needs review · Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
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The NBA regular season concludes on Sunday, with all 30 teams playing. Their seeding depends on the outcome of their game against the Utah Jazz and the Denver Nuggets' game against the San Antonio Spurs. The Nuggets lead with a 53-28 record and are on an 11-game winning streak.

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.

The Lakers secured a win two days prior, clinching home-court advantage for the first round.

The team has faced injuries to key players 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.

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.

Key Facts

Lakers' record
52-29, fourth in Western Conference
Nuggets' record
53-28, third in Western Conference
Nuggets' streak
11-game winning streak
Lakers vs. Timberwolves
3-0 record this season
Injured players
Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, return uncertain

Story Timeline

4 events
  1. Sunday, April 13, 2026

    Lakers play Utah Jazz and Nuggets play San Antonio Spurs, determining final seeding.

    1 sourceNewsweek
  2. Two days ago

    Lakers win game, clinching home-court advantage for playoffs.

    1 sourceNewsweek
  3. Earlier this month

    Lakers suffer blowout loss to Oklahoma City, leading to injuries for key players.

    1 sourceNewsweek
  4. After All-Star break

    Lakers perform well until injuries impact the team.

    1 sourceNewsweek

Potential Impact

  1. 01

    Injured players' status will affect Lakers' playoff performance.

  2. 02

    Final standings will set first-round playoff matchups for both teams.

  3. 03

    Lakers could secure third seed, gaining home-court against Timberwolves.

  4. 04

    Nuggets' seeding may shift if Jokic is sidelined for the final game.

Transparency Panel

Sources cross-referenced1
Framing risk0/100 (low)
Confidence score75%
Synthesized bySubstrate AI
Word count313 words
PublishedApr 12, 2026, 6:21 PM
Bias signals removed4 across 2 outlets
Signal Breakdown
Loaded 2Editorializing 1Framing 1

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