LeBron's Lakers Thrash Clippers, Clinch NBA Cup Knockouts

The Los Angeles Lakers became the second team to clinch a spot in the 2025 NBA Cup knockout round, securing first place in West Group B with a 17-point win over the Clippers. Toronto already advanced, and the Clippers — 2-1 but with a −15 point differential — now need a blowout of Memphis on Friday plus outside help to stay alive. Six quarterfinal berths remain up for grabs across Wednesday and Friday’s group games. Merlin sees the Cup as a math and momentum puzzle where point margins matter as much as wins. Portland can lock West Group C with a win; West Group A hinges on Timberwolves-Thunder and Phoenix outcomes; in the East, Atlanta’s upset simplifies some paths but Cleveland must both win and pile on points, while New York and Detroit still control their fates. Small swings will decide who advances.