South Bay, the Western Conference's top seed with a 26‑10 record, edged the Clippers 122‑119 in a tight contest. Chris Mañon finished with 7 points and a decisive steal, while Malik Williams and Drew Timme each scored 21. Kobe Bufkin added 20 points and 5 assists, and Nick Smith Jr. contributed 18 points off the bench.
The Lakers will host the Rio Grande Valley Vipers on Friday at 7:00 p.m. on Prime Video. The win marks the franchise’s first playoff appearance in three years.