The Los Angeles Lakers are surging at the perfect time, winning 16 of their last 18 games as the race for playoff positioning intensifies.
Currently riding a four-game winning streak, highlighted by a 127-113 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday night, the Lakers have climbed to the third seed in the Western Conference.
They hold a 50-26 record and remain just 1.5 games ahead of the Denver Nuggets, who are on a seven-game winning streak of their own.
That momentum is not limited to the NBA level. In the G League, the South Bay Lakers are also putting together a strong postseason push.
Lakers Affiliate South Bay Carry Momentum Into G League Playoffs
South Bay recently put together a franchise-record 12-game winning streak and finished the regular season atop the Western Conference with a 26-10 record.
The team has now reached the postseason for the first time in three years under second-year head coach Zach Guthrie.
On Wednesday night, the Lakers’ affiliate opened their playoff run with a first-round matchup against the San Diego Clippers.
In a single-elimination contest, South Bay secured a 122-119 win in a tightly contested game, advancing to the second round in dramatic fashion.
Two-way players Drew Timme, Nick Smith Jr., and Chris Manon featured in the contest, alongside NBA assignees Adou Thiero, Kobe Bufkin, and Dalton Knecht, forming a loaded South Bay lineup.
Timme and Bufkin led the way with 21 and 20 points, respectively, with Timme adding eight rebounds and six assists.
Bufkin delivered the decisive defensive play, blocking a potential game-winning attempt to seal the victory.
Manon added seven points and four rebounds in 23 minutes, including a key late dunk and steal.
Off the bench, Smith, Thiero, and Knecht contributed 18, eight, and eight points, respectively.
Smith continued his strong G League form, adding five assists and two steals while shooting 7-of-12 from the field and knocking down two three-pointers.
Malik Williams Shines as Bronny James Continues NBA Progress
G League standout Malik Williams also impressed, finishing with 21 points, five rebounds, four steals, and two blocks in just 24 minutes.
The 27-year-old center shot 8-of-13 from the field, including five three-pointers, showcasing his growing two-way impact.
“It’s a special group, honestly,” head coach Zach Guthrie said recently, via ClutchPoints. “It goes without saying, the level of talent we have is ridiculous for the G League. We have a great group and everyone has to sacrifice and subsume their ego in some way.”
Bronny James has been a consistent presence for South Bay this season, playing a key role in his development.
However, with increased opportunities at the NBA level in recent weeks, he did not feature in South Bay’s playoff opener.
After logging 35, 32, and 32 minutes with the Lakers across December, January, and February, James’ total jumped to 64 minutes in March.
That stretch included a 25-minute outing against the Washington Wizards on March 30, where he recorded six points, one rebound, one assist, and one steal.
South Bay will now face the Rio Grande Valley Vipers in the second round as they continue their pursuit of a first G League championship.
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