The Lakers defeated the Jazz and will face the Rockets in the first round of the playoffs; Durant and James finally meet.

Today, the NBA regular season concluded. The Lakers hosted the Jazz at home. The Lakers starting lineup was Smart, Kennard, Hachimura, James, and Ayton. The Jazz starting lineup was Mbengue, Hinson, Bailey, Williams, and Sibwe.

After the start, Kennard scored first with a mid-range shot. Ayton grabbed an offensive rebound and scored with a floater. James' first basket was a mid-range jumper.

The Lakers' first dunk was an alley-oop from Smart to Ayton.

Hachimura hit a mid-range shot, then he and Smart both made free throws. Ayton dunked again, showing strength.

James stole the ball and completed a fast-break layup.

The Lakers got another steal, Ayton finished with a dunk, and the Jazz called a timeout.

James continued to drive, extending the Lakers' lead to double digits.

Later, LeBron went to rest. After about two minutes, James returned and assisted Vanderbilt on a layup.

At the end of the first quarter, the Lakers led 32-22 over the Jazz. James had 10 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals; Hachimura had 7 points and 4 rebounds; Ayton had 8 points and 3 rebounds; Smart had 2 points and 2 assists; Kennard had 3 points and 1 assist; Vanderbilt had 2 points; Kleber had 3 rebounds.

In the second quarter, the Jazz scored a three-pointer first. Smart responded with one, marking the Lakers' first three-pointer.

The Jazz narrowed the gap slightly. James received a pass from Smart and quickly scored a 2+1.

James continued to drive, shouted, and scored a 2+1, but the referee didn't call it.

James entered a rest period, head down, showing some fatigue.

Nick Smith hit two three-pointers. Earlier today, the Lakers signed him to a two-year official contract.

James returned. Hachimura hit two consecutive three-pointers from the same spot, reaching 18 points.

James also reached his 18th point.

At halftime, the Lakers led 62-45 over the Jazz. James had 18 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals; Hachimura had 18 points and 7 rebounds; Ayton had 10 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocks; Smart had 5 points, 2 rebounds, and 5 assists; Kennard had 3 points; Vanderbilt had 2 points; Smith had 6 points; Laravia had 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals; Kleber had 4 rebounds.

In the second half, James and Kennard did not play, conserving energy for the playoffs. Bronny replaced James as starter.

Bronny executed a steal and fast-break layup, a beautiful play.

Bronny's playmaking ability is decent; he drove and dished, assisting Ayton for a finish. The first timeout of the second half arrived.

Bronny hit a three-pointer, then assisted Laravia on a layup.

Both teams played relaxed. Ayton finished with a layup, reaching 22 points and 10 rebounds, then a timeout period began.

At this point, the broadcast displayed live data from the Nuggets-Spurs game. If the Nuggets win, the Lakers would be fourth in the West, facing the Rockets in the first round. If the Nuggets lose and the Lakers win, the Lakers would be third in the West, facing the Timberwolves in the first round.

Bronny made 3 out of 4 three-pointers, scoring 11 points in the quarter.

The Lakers entered the fourth quarter with a 95-74 lead. Kleber even dunked, scoring his first points today.

With 6:56 remaining, the Lakers led by 23 points and called a timeout. Redick pulled Bronny aside for a chat.

Knecht showed great vision, assisting Adou Thiero on a powerful dunk.

Knecht hit consecutive three-pointers, making 5 out of 5 from beyond the arc.

Finally, Knecht missed a three-pointer, but then performed a dunk.

The final score was Lakers 131-107 Jazz. James: 18 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals; Hachimura: 22 points, 10 rebounds; Ayton: 22 points, 10 rebounds, 3 blocks; Smart: 5 points, 2 rebounds, 10 assists; Kennard: 3 points; Laravia: 2 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals; Bronny: 11 points, 4 assists; Vanderbilt: 4 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists; Kleber: 2 points, 6 rebounds; Knecht: 17 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists; Thiero: 8 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists; Smith: 12 points; Timme: 3 points; Mannon: 2 points.

Stats for both teams:

With the Nuggets losing to the Spurs and the Lakers winning against the Jazz, the Lakers' first-round playoff opponent is confirmed as the Rockets. Let's go!