Phoenix Suns forward Mikal Bridges celebrating alongside Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis
The Los Angeles Lakers, who last lifted the NBA Championship in 2020, miss out on the play-offs for the first time since 2019

The Los Angeles Lakers missed out on a place in the NBA play-offs after suffering a seventh-straight defeat.

The Lakers were beaten by the Western Conference leaders for the second time.

James has failed to make the NBA post-season four times in his 19-year career.

"We wanted to play our part in bringing success to Lakers basketball and we fell short," said coach Frank Vogel.

We are extremely disappointed. Disappointed for our fans and disappointed for the ownership that gave us this opportunity.

It is not due to a lack of effort. We have done the work. Guys were fighting all the way to the end.

We brought integrity to the process we just fell short of. We are all disappointed.

The teams from seventh to 10th in the Eastern Conference and Western Conference are progressing to the play-ins.

Two teams from each division can get into the play-offs via the play-ins route.

The Lakers had to win to have any chance of making the playoffs after the San Antonio Spurs beat the Denver Nuggets.

The Toronto Raptors secured a play-off spot in the Eastern Conference after defeating the Atlanta Hawks 118-108.

In Salt Lake City, the Utah Jazz beat the Memphis Grizzlies in overtime. Utah is guaranteed to be no worse than the sixth seed in the Western Conference playoffs, thanks to the Jazz's win and the Minnesota Wolves' loss to the Wizards.

Tyler Herro scored a season-high 35 points as the Miami Heat beat the Charlotte Hornets, while the Brooklyn Nets beat the Houston Rockets.

After a 127-106 victory against the Chicago Bulls, Milwaukee and Miami are tied for second. Despite the defeat, the Bulls secured their first playoff spot in five seasons.

The Philadelphia 76ers beat the Pacers 131-122 and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Trail blazers 98-94.