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LOS ANGELES (Ticker) -- The Los Angeles Lakers try to move one step closer to clinching the third seed in the Western Conference on Monday when they host the Seattle SuperSonics. The Lakers are currently tied with the Dallas Mavericks and San Antonio Spurs for the second-best record in the Western Conference. They are assured of second place in the Pacific Division, but are fighting for the third seed in the playoffs. Los Angeles had a three-game winning streak snapped with a wild 128-120 double-overtime loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday. The Lakers blew an eight-point lead in the first overtime and never led in the second extra session as they closed their road schedule with a loss. Shaquille O'Neal had 36 points and 11 rebounds and Kobe Bryant scored 23 points for the Lakers, who could drop as low as fourth place, which still gives them home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs. Los Angeles wraps up the regular season Wednesday at home against the Sacramento Kings, who have already clinched the best record in the West. The Sonics have dropped five of their last six games to fall into a tie with Utah for seventh place in the Western Conference. Seattle suffered its second straight defeat, 116-99, to Dallas on Saturday. Gary Payton had 21 points, seven assists and six rebounds for the Sonics, who have lost three straight road games. Seattle has won five of the last seven meetings with Los Angeles, which has won two of three meetings this season. The Lakers won both of its visits to Key Arena this year, but the Sonics have won three straight at the Staples Center, including a 104-93 victory on December 11. |
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