Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers have a full week of rest ahead of the NBA Playoffs. On Friday night, with a win over the Houston Rockets, they clinched the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference. That gives them the full week off and guaranteed home court advantage in the first round, although their first-round opponent is still yet to be determined before games on Sunday.
Landing the No. 3 seed is huge for both Doncic personally and the entire Lakers franchise. For L.A., it means they will host their first Game 1 in Los Angeles since the 2012 NBA Playoffs. The 2020 season was the only other one since then that they had home court in any round, and that was played in the Orlando bubble.
Doncic explained why home court is such a big deal to him personally and why it was a good sign for the Lakers to be able to land it.
“Very important. It’s going to be my first time having home-court advantage, so I’m really excited about it,” he said. “That was our goal. Looking back maybe five or six games, our goal was to lock up the third seed.”
As crazy as it sounds, Doncic has never had home court advantage in the NBA Playoffs. The only time in his career that the Dallas Mavericks were a top-four seed, he missed the first three games of the series due to injury.
Looking ahead, Doncic is excited about the rest as well, and is ready to help lead the Lakers when the postseason eventually begins on April 19.
“Big time, big time, but I gotta get some rest obviously, but you know, the good part of the season is coming, so I gotta stay ready, gotta stay locked in, but for sure it’s gonna be great,” Doncic said.
Doncic and the Lakers have a real shot of contending for a championship this season, something not many thought was possible when the trade first went down. But Luka’s immediate chemistry with LeBron James and Austin Reaves, a surprising effort defensively from the entire roster and strong depth are going to give L.A. a real chance to compete.
Lakers awaiting results of Sunday for first round opponent
Any one of the Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves or Golden State Warriors could be the Lakers’ first round opponent. But that won’t be known until after games conclude on Sunday, as all four teams will be in action to figure that out.
The Timberwolves face the Utah Jazz, the Nuggets face the Rockets and the Warriors and Clippers face off in the marquee matchup of the day.
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