Los Angeles Lakers playoff standings: Updated scenarios and schedule for 2025 NBA playoffs |
The 2025 NBA playoffs are just around the corner, and the Los Angeles Lakers are gearing up for another deep postseason run. With only one game left in the regular season, the Lakers have secured their spot but still have key details to finalize. Here’s everything you need to know about their playoff position, potential opponents, and remaining schedule.
Los Angeles Lakers clinch third seed in the Western Conference
The Los Angeles Lakers have locked in the third seed in the Western Conference after a strong finish to the regular season. A crucial win over the Houston Rockets on April 12 sealed their position, ensuring they avoid the play-in tournament.
Los Angeles finished with a 50-32 record, tying them with the Denver Nuggets and LA Clippers but holding the tiebreaker. The Oklahoma City Thunder (68-14) and Houston Rockets (52-30) secured the top two spots.
Here’s a look at the final Western Conference standings:
Luka Doncic (Image via Getty)
| Seed | Team | Record | Games Back |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thunder*** | 68-14 | – |
| 2 | Rockets** | 52-30 | 16 |
| 3 | Lakers** | 50-32 | 18 |
| 4 | Nuggets | 50-32 | 18 |
| 5 | Clippers | 50-32 | 18 |
| 6 | Timberwolves | 49-33 | 19 |
| 7 | Warriors | 48-33 | 20 |
| 8 | Grizzlies | 48-34 | 20 |
| 9 | Kings | 40-42 | 28 |
| 10 | Mavericks | 39-42 | 29 |
(Note: *** Clinched conference; ** Clinched division)
Los Angeles Lakers will face the Timberwolves in the first round
As the third seed, the Lakers are set to take on the sixth-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves in the opening round. Minnesota finished the season with a 49-33 record, just one game behind the Lakers.
Key factors in this matchup:
– The Lakers won the regular-season series against the Timberwolves 3-1.
– Minnesota’s defense ranks in the top five, but the Lakers’ offense, led by LeBron James and Luka Doncic, will test them.
– Anthony Davis’ performance against Rudy Gobert could be a deciding factor. Lakers’ final regular-season game
Before shifting focus entirely to the playoffs, the Lakers have one last game to wrap up the regular season:
– Sunday, April 13: at Portland Trail Blazers
While the outcome won’t affect their seeding, it’s an opportunity to fine-tune rotations and maintain momentum heading into the postseason.
If the Lakers advance past the Timberwolves, they could face the winner of the Nuggets-Clippers series in the second round. Both teams present tough challenges:
– The Nuggets have been a playoff nemesis for the Lakers in recent years.
– The Clippers, led by Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, would bring an intense rivalry.
The Los Angeles Lakers’ path to the Finals won’t be easy, but with LeBron and Doncic leading the charge, they remain a serious contender.
Also read: Jarred Vanderbilt’s fired-up reaction as Lakers draw Timberwolves in playoffs – “We’re going to Minnesota, boys!”
For live updates, scores, and full playoff schedules, follow the latest NBA coverage. The postseason is about to begin, and the Lakers are ready for the challenge.
