The Lakers have won nine straight games and 17 of 18 to cut San Antonio's lead for the top slot in the Western Conference to just 1½ games. Their 17-1 record since the All-Star break carries with it by far the best winning percentage (.944) in NBA history after the break.

The Spurs, meanwhile, have lost six straight. 

With six games left for the Spurs and seven games left for the Lakers and one game remaining between the two of them on April 12, the Lakers control their own destiny. If the Lakers will all their remaining games, even if San Antonio goes 5-1 and loses only that game against the Lakers, then Los Angeles secures the No. 1 seed.

Phil Jackson still doesn't want his team to think about it, saying the Lakers have to get through their next four games.

"If we can go through Sunday and these Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday games OK, then the last three games, we'll talk about it," Jackson said.