The Lakers cut one player, securing a big win over the Suns and locking in the top 4 spot in the West, gaining home court advantage for the playoffs!

Today, the Lakers announced they have waived Kobe Bufkin, thus creating an open roster spot. The Lakers can evaluate and sign a new player this weekend who will be eligible to play for the team in the playoffs.

Today, the Lakers hosted the Suns, with Smart finally returning from injury and playing as a substitute. The Lakers starting lineup consisted of Kennard, Laravia, Hachimura, James, and Ayton. The Suns starters were Gillespie, Allen, Dillon, Dunn, and Mark Williams.

After the start, Hachimura scored first with a layup, and James made his first three-point attempt.

The Lakers fast break led to an easy layup by Kennard.

James drew a foul on Dillon for a three-pointer and made all three free throws. He then hit another three-pointer, meaning LeBron scored 9 points from beyond the arc.

James delivered a long pass assist for Ayton to score easily.

He then added a mid-range bank shot himself.

Kennard converted a three-pointer plus a foul, again on Dillon.

A hustle play resulted in Dillon's third foul; why is he so aggressive today?

James was in dominant form, executing a dunk that forced a Suns timeout.

Hachimura scored consecutively, and James' behind-the-back pass was truly impressive.

After James went to rest, the Suns scored 5 straight points, but Kennard answered with a three-pointer.

At the end of the first quarter, Lakers led Suns 33-24. James had 14 points, 1 rebound, 5 assists, 1 steal; Kennard had 9 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists; Hachimura had 8 points, 1 rebound; Ayton had 2 points, 1 block; Bronny had 2 rebounds; Laravia had 1 assist, 2 steals.

In the second quarter, the Suns scored 4 straight points. Smart handled the ball, and Vanderbilt dunked.

He then stole the ball from the opponent.

However, the Lakers' rebounding was poor, allowing the Suns to take the lead. Including the end of the first quarter, they had a 17-2 run. Kennard's mid-range shot broke the scoring drought.

Dillon scored two points, Smart made two free throws, the pace suddenly quickened. James scored inside but didn't get a foul call.

Kennard scored 4 consecutive points, Hachimura made two free throws, Ayton finally scored on a putback, prompting a Suns timeout.

Dillon now has 4 fouls but remains on the court, perhaps wanting an early exit? James scored 4 straight points, at this point he was 7 for 9, totaling 20 points.

The opponent was almost at a 24-second violation, but Vanderbilt committed a foul and was immediately replaced by Redick.

From the same spot, James made a fadeaway jumper.

At halftime, Lakers led Suns 57-48. James had 22 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal; Hachimura had 10 points, 2 rebounds; Kennard had 17 points, 2 assists; Ayton had 4 points, 3 rebounds; Laravia had 1 assist, 2 steals; Smart had 2 points, 4 assists; Vanderbilt had 2 points; Bronny had 2 rebounds.

In the third quarter, the pace slowed suddenly. The Lakers' first 4 points came from Ayton, James made one of two free throws. A foul was called on James, the Lakers challenged and succeeded.

Kennard's floater was a steady score.

Kennard then assisted Ayton for a dunk, showing great basketball IQ. The Suns had been without a field goal for 6 minutes.

Laravia had to jump ball with an opponent, a somewhat amusing scene.

After the Suns scored 5 straight points, the Lakers called a timeout. Kleber missed two free throws, but Smart scored 4 points in succession, proving effective.

Again it was Smart, stealing the ball back and assisting Vanderbilt for a dunk.

Smart then assisted James for a layup, James stole the ball and completed a fast break dunk, forcing a Suns timeout.

At the end of the third quarter, Lakers led Suns 81-64. Smart stole the ball, James assisted Vanderbilt for a dunk.

James then made a no-look pass, and Kleber finally scored.

James seemed annoyed by a pass from Hachimura, but Hachimura was still laughing.

James assisted Laravia for an easy score, the Lakers extended their lead to 22 points and called a timeout.

James went to rest, officially entering garbage time. He and Reaves were laughing about something, very happy.

The final score was Lakers 101-73 Suns. James had 28 points, 6 rebounds, 12 assists, 4 steals; Hachimura had 13 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists; Ayton had 10 points, 5 rebounds; Laravia had 2 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals; Kennard had 19 points, 3 assists, 3 steals; Vanderbilt had 6 points, 7 rebounds; Smart had 6 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals; Bronny had 3 points, 2 rebounds, 1 steal; Kleber had 2 points; Smith had 4 points, 2 rebounds; Timme had 2 points; Knecht had 5 points; Mannon had 1 point.

With the Lakers defeating the Suns and the Timberwolves defeating the Rockets, the Lakers secured a top-four position in the West, granting them home court advantage in the first round of the playoffs.

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