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Los Angeles, CA – March 27: Lakers guard Luka Doncic, #77, reacts to a referee’s call in the second half against the Brooklyn Nets at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles Friday, March 27, 2026. For the second time in less than a week, Luka Doncic faces a one-game suspension because of technical foul accumulation. Doncic finished with 41 points, eight rebounds and three assists in the win.(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers can clinch a birth in the 2026 NBA Playoffs with a win in their game against the Washington Wizards and a Phoenix Suns loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday, March 30th.
Despite Luka Doncic suspended and out for the game against the Wizards, while also potentially able to clinch the playoffs, the Lakers can also clinch the Pacific division title with a win and a Suns loss.
Los Angeles has been one of the hottest teams in the NBA in March, and while they were previously further down the Western Conference standings, they’ve consistently been atop their division, and have the chance to add a small but still notable accomplishment to their season.
Lakers Can Clinch Playoffs, Division Title Tonight
GettyLuke Kennard #10 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates with Deandre Ayton #5, Austin Reaves #15, LeBron James #23, Luka Doncic #77, and Jake LaRavia #12 after scoring a go-ahead three-point-basket in the fourth quarter against the Orlando Magic at Kia Center on March 21, 2026 in Orlando, Florida.
The Lakers are currently 48-26 and third in the West behind the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs, two teams that have already clinched postseason play this season.
Just a month ago, they were further down in the standings, but after Doncic’s MVP-level performances and strong play from LeBron James, Austin Reaves, and the rest of the supporting cast, they’ve gone 13-2 this month, which is tied for the second-best record in the NBA in March.
The Lakers are also 9-1 in their last ten games, and while there were previously major questions about head coach JJ Redick leading this current roster to any potential playoff success, those questions have been answered. Any NBA Final hopes remain a stretch, but as Los Angeles has surged up the standings, they are in line to grab home-court advantage in at least the first round of the postseason.
Postseason scenarios for Monday, March 30 ⬇️
As for the divisional race, one that doesn’t matter as much in the NBA compared to other sports like the NFL or MLB, the Lakers are also set to clinch a title in that department, too.
They lead the Suns, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers, and Sacramento Kings in the division, and a win would clinch their 26 divisional title in franchise history.
Back to the playoffs, a victory over the Wizards would also clinch the Lakers’ 66th playoff appearance. They’ve only missed the postseason once in the past five years, and just twice since James joined the team in 2018.
Luka Doncic Suspension
GettyLuka Dončić reacts during a Los Angeles Lakers game after picking up a technical foul that contributed to his suspension.
Doncic received his 16th technical foul of the season during the team’s previous game against the Brooklyn Nets after jawing back and forth with Ziaire Williams.
While the Lakers had protested the call and attempted to appeal the decision, it was upheld by the NBA.
Lakers’ Luka Doncic has been suspended for Monday’s game against the Washington Wizards after picking up his 16th technical foul.
Doncic had already received a 16th technical foul earlier in the year, but the team was successful when appealing on that occasion.
But now, he’ll be suspended for one game, and further technical fouls in the final part of the regular season or playoffs could result in more suspensions. Doncic will also miss out on part of his contract due to being suspended.
“For every two additional technical fouls Doncic receives between now and the end of the regular season, he will be automatically suspended for an additional game. The financial penalty will increase to 1/145 of his salary, or approximately $317,000,” Dave McMenamin wrote for ESPN.
In 62 games this season, Doncic is averaging 33.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, 8.2 assists, and 1.6 steals on 47.6/36.6/77.6 shooting splits. He will be out on Monday due to the suspension as they hope to clinch another playoff birth, but he is expected to return for the Lakers’ next game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Eli Gregorski is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy Sports. He has years of sports writing experience covering the NBA, NFL, college football and basketball, international soccer, and Formula One. He graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder, where he was the assistant sports editor for the award-winning CU Independent student publication. More about Eli Gregorski
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