For the second consecutive year, theLos Angeles Lakerswill finish the regular season atop the Pacific Division.
The Lakers (49-26) clinched a playoff spot and the division title before their game against theCleveland Cavalierson Tuesday night even tipped off, thanks to thePhoenix Suns'115-111loss to theOrlando Magicearlier.
With division title already in tow, the Lakers defeated theCavaliers,127-113, on Tuesday night. With the win, the Lakers have secured back-to-back 50-win seasons for the first time since the 2009-10 and 2010-11 seasons.
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Luka Doncic made a statement in his return froma one-game suspensionafterreceiving his 16th technical foulin LA's win over theBrooklyn Netson Friday, leading all scorers with 42 points. He also had 12 rebounds and 5 assists Xto re-assert himself in the MVP conversation. Austin Reaves and Deandre Ayrton added another boost offensively with 19 and 18 points, respectively.
Oct. 26: The Brooklyn Nets' Michael Porter Jr. dunks in front of the San Antonio Spurs' Victor Wembanyama at Frost Bank Center." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Dribble into this collection of dunk photos as NBA stars posterize opponents
While the Lakers have historically dominated the Pacific with 26 titles since the division was established in 1970-71, their current run of two straight since the arrival of head coach JJ Redick snapped a dry spell that began aftertheir NBA championship run in 2019-20.
The red-hot Lakers — winners of 11 of their last 17 — currently sit as the third seed in the West after Monday, one game ahead of the fourth-placeDenver Nuggetsand three games ahead of theMinnesota TimberwolvesandHouston Rockets. And with their postseason spot now in hand, LA could have a chance to cement their claim at the third spot with wins over theDallas Mavericks,Golden State Warriors, Suns andUtah Jazz.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Los Angeles Lakers clinch playoff spot, Pacific Division title
