South Bay Lakers Edge Clippers, Advance to G League Playoffs

South Bay, the Western Conference's top seed with a 26‑10 record, edged the San Diego Clippers 122‑119 in a tight first‑round game. Chris Mañon finished with seven points and a decisive steal in the final 1:21, while Malik Williams and Drew Timme each scored 21. Kobe Bufkin added 20 points and five assists, and Nick Smith Jr. contributed 18 points off the bench.

The Lakers will host the Rio Grande Valley Vipers on Friday at 7:00 p.m., with the game available on Prime Video. The win marks South Bay’s first playoff appearance in three years.