The Los Angeles Lakers are heading to Las Vegas after clinching the final semifinal spot up for grabs in the inaugural NBA in-season tournament. The Lakers defeated the Phoenix Suns 106-103 on Tuesday night.
Center Anthony Davis emerged as the Lakers’ star player on the night, scoring 27 points and 15 rebounds, while Austin Reeves contributed 20 points. LeBron James proved crucial for the Lakers in the final quarter, scoring 15 of his team’s first 19 points of the fourth quarter to hand them the momentum in the final stretch.
“You’ve got some of the most alpha male competitors in the world, and if you give us an opportunity to play for something meaningful or an incentive, then you get what you’re getting,” James commented, also contributing 11 assists, eight rebounds and five steals. The Lakers have set up a semifinal clash with the New Orleans Pelicans, who they will play on Thursday night. The winner will face either the Milwaukee Bucks or the Indiana Pacers in the final.
