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Bryant, Lakers look to clinch seventh place in West

Apr 18, 2007 - 3:06 PM LA Lakers (41-40) at Sacramento (33-48) 10:00 pm EDT

SACRAMENTO, California (Ticker) -- The Los Angeles Lakers hope to lock up the seventh seed in the Western Conference when they visit the Sacramento Kings in the regular-season finale on Wednesday.

Los Angeles is tied with Golden State for the seventh spot but owns the tiebreaker after sweeping the Warriors this season. Golden State visits Portland on Wednesday.

All-Star Kobe Bryant picked up his 21st career 50-point performance for Los Angeles wrapped up its second straight postseason berth with Sunday's 109-89 triumph over Seattle.

"We needed this type of game right now, you know, for us and focusing, kind of take care of business while we can," Bryant said.

If the Lakers earn the seventh seed, it would set up a first-round rematch with the Phoenix Suns, who rallied from a 3-1 deficit to win the best-of-seven series last season.

Sacramento lost for the third time in four games with Monday's 125-118 setback against New Orleans.

Ron Artest collected 22 points and seven rebounds and Mike Bibby scored 17 for Sacramento, which will finish with its worst record since going 27-55 in 1997-98.