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Warriors may open path to the playoffs for Lakers

Steve Nash dribbles past the Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry during a game in Oakland.
(Marcio Jose Sanchez / Associated Press)
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As the Lakers try to climb into the top eight in the Western Conference, the Golden State Warriors are becoming a target after their sixth straight loss Tuesday night.

The Lakers (25-29) have caught the Portland Trail Blazers with the same record, although Portland temporarily has the tie-breaker. The Lakers and Blazers still play twice before season’s end. Portland has also lost six in a row.

The Houston Rockets (29-26) are in eighth place, 3 1/2 games ahead of the Lakers. The two teams meet on the final day of the season, which could tip the tie-breaker to the Lakers.

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The Utah Jazz (31-24) are in seventh but they’ve already finished their season series against the Lakers, winning two of three. The Jazz have won three straight, pulling ahead of the Lakers by 5 1/2 games.

The Warriors (30-23) are also 5 1/2 games ahead of the Lakers with a six-game advantage in the loss column. The Lakers have beaten Golden State twice already this season, with two to play.

If the Lakers complete the sweep, they’ll own the tie-breaker. Of course, the Lakers will still need to make up four games in the loss column to catch Golden State.

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The Warriors control their own destiny, but if they keep slumping, the Lakers may find another path to the postseason.

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Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.

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