The Los Angeles Lakers are on the verge of securing the third seed in the Western Conference after a crucial victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder, coupled with losses by both the Denver Nuggets and Golden State Warriors. This recent turn of events has created significant breathing room for the Lakers, who now find themselves in a strong position as the regular season approaches its conclusion.

The Lakers’ win against the Thunder has solidified their standing in the playoff race, as they now have a two-game lead over the fourth to eighth seeds—each currently sporting a record of 46 wins and 32 losses. With only four games remaining in the season, the Lakers hold the tiebreaker advantage over other teams, ensuring they would maintain the third seed even in the event of tied records due to head-to-head matchups and division standings.

To officially clinch the third seed, the Lakers need just one win in their final four games or must avoid losing all four. Upcoming matches against the Thunder, Houston Rockets, and Dallas Mavericks present favorable opportunities, particularly since the Thunder have already locked in the number one seed and may opt to rest key players for the playoffs.

The Lakers’ playoff prospects are further buoyed by the fact that they have a competitive edge over the Cleveland Cavaliers, should they face off in the NBA Finals. With the Rockets already secured in the second seed, their upcoming game with the Lakers may carry little weight, as they have no chance to improve or worsen their playoff positioning.

The current landscape of the Western Conference suggests that while the top three seeds may be set, the fight for the fourth through eighth spots remains highly competitive. As fans eagerly await these final matches, the Lakers are well-positioned to make a deep playoff run, with their sights clearly set on postseason success.