Coming into the season, it was unclear just how good the Los Angeles Lakers could be. But the team’s recent run, led primarily by the unreal performances of superstar Luka Doncic, now has the Lakers on the brink a playoff spot, as well as a division title.
With a victory over the Washington Wizards and a Phoenix Suns loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night, the Lakers would clinch both a playoff spot and the Pacific Division title, via NBA PR:
Postseason scenarios for Monday, March 30 ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/JEWkZo0Oks
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) March 30, 2026
Of course, the ultimate goal for the Lakers is to make a run in the postseason and win a championship, but in order to accomplish that you first have to qualify for the playoffs and they are set to do that. The Lakers currently have a seven-game lead over the Suns with eight games remaining, so barring a complete collapse over the final two weeks of the season, the Pacific Division is all but locked for L.A.
The team will be without Doncic for Monday night’s contest against the Wizards as he serves his one-game suspension after picking up his 16th technical foul of the season in Friday night’s win over the Brooklyn Nets. Marcus Smart will also miss his fourth consecutive game while rookie Adou Thiero is out for the third straight contest.
While winning the division title isn’t the most celebrated accomplishment, it does mean something, especially for a young coach like JJ Redick who has now won the division title in each of his first two seasons. As always, if the Lakers have another disappointing playoff performance it will be completely forgotten about, but this team seems far more equipped to have some postseason success than they were a year ago.
The Lakers have been rounding into form at the right time with their defense operating at a much higher level than before, along with Doncic powering the offense and role players delivering in key moments. The Pacific Division title is just step one, but these Lakers are eyeing much more than that this year.
Lakers’ Luka Doncic disappointed in himself for suspension
Doncic is someone who prides himself on suiting up for every possible game and being there for his teammates, but he won’t be able to do that against the Wizards as he must sit out. And Redick noted that the Lakers superstar is disappointed in himself for picking up that suspension.
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