This is how the showdown between the Lakers and Rockets for the fourth place in the Western Conference will be
We break down all the keys that will define the battle between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets to secure a home-court advantage in the playoffs.
With just three games left in the regular season, Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets seem destined to secure the 4th and 5th positions in the Western Conference. This would pair them up in the first round of the 2026 NBA playoffs, but it makes a significant difference whether they have the home-court advantage or not.
The situation looks bleak for Los Angeles Lakers after the injuries to Doncic and Reaves, leaving the team completely vulnerable. Knowing that they won't have either player in the first round unless there is a major last-minute surprise, facing the matchup with the advantage of playing one more game at home could be crucial. The Nuggets seem to be in a different league already and on track to secure the third spot, but Houston Rockets are in a position to snatch the 4th place from the Lakers.
It's true that the Lakers control their own destiny. If they win all three remaining games (against the Warriors away, and the Suns and Jazz at home), they will secure the 4th position. However, it doesn't seem easy for them to achieve that. Hence, it's important to keep an eye on Houston Rockets, who, by winning one more game than the Lakers in these final days of the competition, could overtake them. They will play at home against the Sixers, Timberwolves, and Grizzlies.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Así será el pulso entre Lakers y Rockets por la cuarta plaza de la Conferencia Oeste