Lakers Edge Warriors in Thrilling Showdown – Full Game Highlights
Los Angeles Lakers’ attempt towards the 2025 NBA Playoffs received a setback on Thursday as they welcomed the Golden State Warriors — another team on a streak into the playoffs scenario.
L.A. began on a positive note with an initial burst of offense, but the pace soon dropped. Following a cold spell that continued until the fourth quarter, the Lakers only managed to regain some life as they scored 39 points during the last period. Sadly, defensive breakdowns and rebounding problems haunted them throughout the game, and they had to catch up from behind.
Those deficiencies came at a price, as they lost 123-116 — the Lakers’ ninth loss in their past 15 games. Now at 46-30, they’ve fallen to fourth in the Western Conference, one game ahead of the Warriors, who are on the rise.
LeBron and Reaves Shine, But Warriors Prevail
Even with the loss, LeBron James paced the Lakers with 33 points, and Austin Reaves chipped in with a season-high 31. But it wasn’t quite enough to offset a masterful effort by Stephen Curry, who scored 37 points, and Brandin Podziemski, who lit up L.A. for 28 points, including eight made 3-pointers.
If the season were to end today, the Lakers would be meeting the Warriors in a much-hyped first-round playoff series.
A Late Rally Falls Short
Trailing 111-104 with three minutes to go, the Lakers displayed glimpses of urgency and played with greater tempo. Earlier in the quarter, a 9-2 spurt sparked by James’ and Reaves’ 3-pointers reduced the deficit to 105-98 with 5:22 to play.
Nevertheless, the uphill fight was too much. Down 103-89 with less than seven minutes remaining, L.A. struggled to score from the outside, shut down on defense, and rebound — ultimately sealing their fate in a hard-fought home defeat.
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