The South Bay Lakers survived a furious comeback attempt from the San Diego Clippers, holding on for a 122-119 victory at UCLA Health Training Center in El Segundo on Wednesday to advance in the NBA G League playoffs. The game was sealed in the final seconds, first by a Chris Manon steal and then a game-saving block by Kobe Bufkin on a potential tying 3-pointer as time expired.

The top-seeded Lakers (26-10) were powered by their frontcourt, as Drew Timme and Malik Williams co-led the team with 21 points apiece. Williams was lethal from long range, knocking down five 3-pointers, while Timme orchestrated the offense with eight rebounds and six assists. Bufkin finished with 20 points, five assists and the decisive block. Nick Smith Jr. provided a spark off the bench with 18 points.

For the eighth-seeded Clippers (18-18), Cam Christie delivered a spectacular performance in the loss, leading all scorers with 33 points and grabbing 13 rebounds. The backcourt duo of TyTy Washington Jr. and Sean Pedulla each poured in 26 points. Norchad Omier was a force inside, securing a double-double with 16 points and 13 rebounds, including eight on the offensive glass.

A back-and-forth affair that featured 27 lead changes came down to the final minute. After Omier's layup tied the game at 119-119 with 1:03 remaining, Manon answered with a dunk off a Timme assist to put the Lakers ahead 121-119 with 48 seconds left. On the Clippers' ensuing possession, Manon intercepted a pass with 10 seconds on the clock and was fouled. He made one of two free throws to make it 122-119, setting the stage for Bufkin's block on Matt Allocco's 3-point attempt at the buzzer.

Up next: The Lakers host the Rio Grande Valley Vipers on Friday at 10 p.m. ET.

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