In their victory over the Rockets, the Lakers were without Maxi Kleber who is recovering from right foot surgery, while LeBron James played 38 minutes despite previously sustaining a left groin strain, scoring 16 points and collecting eight rebounds.

The Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers are lined up for a potential must-see first-round playoff matchup and a preview of what might go down will take place on Thursday in Los Angeles.

L.A. last won the Pacific Division in 2020, which is also the last time they won the NBA championship. The Lakers also have the tiebreaker against the Warriors, who are in fifth place in the Western Conference standings.

The Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers are on a collision course for a blockbuster first-round playoff showdown, and Thursday’s clash in