It wasn't pretty, it wasn't inspiring, but the Lakers beat a Phoenix team sitting basically everyone important on Friday night 121-107 and in the process did some important things. For example...

• Clinched no worse than an 8-seed in the West, meaning they'll have a chance to win one game to get in the main draw.
• Ensured that they'll finish with no worse than the 7-seed with a win vs. Utah at home on Sunday.
• Kept alive the ability to move up, with a win and either two Clippers losses on Saturday and Sunday, or a Warriors loss in Portland Sunday.
• Became the first team in two decades to start 2-10 and finish with a winning record.

This is all important stuff.

Also important: Malik Beasley had a great game, badly needed both for the Lakers tonight and for his own mental well-being. A hot-shooting Beasley could be a big difference maker in the postseason for a Lakers team that still doesn't scare people from the perimeter. Austin Reaves was great. Rui Hachimura pitched in. On a night where LeBron and Anthony Davis were quiet offensively (30 points combined) that output was good to see.

But LeBron, who is clearly tired (he said as much after the game) wasn't good on Friday, following a terrible first half on Wednesday. No panic yet, but if he looks bad again on Sunday, the butterflies will be flapping in many a Lakers fan's stomach.

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

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