Full Breakdown
South Bay Lakers' Season Ends in G League Western Conference Finals
4/8/2026, 2:24:31 PM
South Bay Lakers Fall Short Against Stockton Kings
The South Bay Lakers, the G League affiliate of the Los Angeles Lakers, concluded their season with a narrow 101-97 loss to the Stockton Kings in the Western Conference Finals on April 6, 2026. Despite holding a nine-point lead midway through the fourth quarter, South Bay was unable to maintain their advantage as Stockton mounted a late comeback, finishing the game with a decisive 21-8 run. This defeat marks the end of South Bay's playoff journey, despite a strong regular season where they achieved a franchise-best record of 26-10.
Key Performers and Game Highlights
Drew Timme led the South Bay Lakers with 18 points, five rebounds, and four assists, while Chris Manon contributed a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds. The Lakers' roster was notably impacted by injuries to key players Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, which necessitated the recall of several contributors to the main Lakers team in Dallas, including Adou Thiero, Kobe Bufkin, Nick Smith Jr., and Dalton Knecht.
On the opposing side, DaQuan Jeffries was instrumental for the Stockton Kings, scoring 27 points and leading the team to victory. Dexter Dennis added 19 points, including six three-pointers, while Jameer Nelson Jr. contributed 18 points off the bench. Gabe Levin's crucial putback dunk with 20 seconds remaining ultimately secured the win for Stockton.
Context of the Game
The G League playoffs operate under a single-elimination format until the Finals, which is a best-of-three series. South Bay's playoff run included victories over the San Diego Clippers and the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, showcasing their competitive edge throughout the season. However, the absence of several key players in the Western Conference Finals proved detrimental.
Official Statements & Responses
Head coach Zach Guthrie expressed disappointment over the season's conclusion but acknowledged the team's growth and resilience throughout the year. Meanwhile, Stockton's coach Will Scott emphasized the importance of teamwork and execution, stating, "We’ve really played team basketball all season, and we’re here because of that."
What's Next for Stockton Kings
With their victory, the Stockton Kings advance to the NBA G League Finals, where they will face the Greensboro Swarm. The first game is scheduled for April 8, 2026, in Greensboro, North Carolina. The Kings are aiming to defend their championship title, having won the previous year's Finals.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the strong performance from the Kings, some analysts noted that the Lakers' injuries significantly impacted the game's outcome, raising questions about the depth of the South Bay roster and their ability to compete without their top players.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We know we can handle being down a couple of points,” — Gabe Levin, Stockton Kings Forward
- “This is a hell of a group. We know how to win.” — Jon Elmore, Stockton Kings Guard
- “It’s about us — playing our game for as much of the 48 minutes as we can.” — Will Scott, Stockton Kings Coach
The South Bay Lakers' season may have ended, but their performance throughout the year sets a promising foundation for future campaigns.
