Lakers Accidentally Played Extra Minute-Plus Against Grizzlies Due to Clock Error

The clock keeps failing the Lakers this season.

Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

After a major clock malfunction in the Lakers-Warriors game a few weeks ago, LA has fallen victim to clock woes once again, this time against the Grizzlies in a pivotal game for playoff seeding.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by CBS Sports (@cbssports)

An extra minute was inadvertently added to the game clock late in the 3rd quarter after a shot-clock violation, with no reaction from players or coaches to have it looked at.

In a close game, that extra minute is incredibly important, having a similar impact to the Lakers-Warriors snafu. Unlike that game, however, this error worked in the Lakers' favor, as they had more time to clean up their thin deficit.

Having won this game, LA is now well-positioned to be the 8th seed in the Western Conference, setting the stage for a first-round matchup they may be favored in.

With the Denver Nuggets losing to the San Antonio Spurs yesterday, they've fallen to the no. 3 seed, all but eliminating the chance of a first-round matchup between them and the Lakers.

Instead of facing Denver, LA now may end up playing either the Thunder or the Timberwolves, two teams that they're capable of beating. The Thunder, in particular, are 1-3 against LA this season, with 3 consecutive losses.

The Timberwolves are a tougher matchup, but LA is one of the couple of teams in the league with the size and physicality to match Minnesota's. While the Wolves would be favored in a series, the Lakers are well-equipped enough to stand a strong chance, especially in comparison to a matchup with Denver.