The Los Angeles Lakers could have a little extra motivation heading into tonight’s matchup with the defending champion Toronto Raptors, more than just avenging a rare home loss to the Raptors from back in November. If the Lakers take care of business against the Raptors tonight, or if the Clippers lose their game earlier today against the New Orleans Pelicans, the Lakers will clinch the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference playoffs.
After Thursday’s victory over the Clippers, the Lakers moved into a 6.5 game lead over the Clippers for the No. 1 spot in the Western Conference. The Clippers are scheduled to play the Pelicans at 3 p.m. pacific time, as part of ESPN’s quadruple-header.
The Raptors beat the Lakers earlier this season with a dominant performance, 113-104 and many see Toronto as a potential sleeper pick to win the title and repeat as champions, even after losing Kawhi Leonard in free agency to the Clippers.
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