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Los Angeles Lakers coach Luke Walton conceded the team's official elimination from playoff contention was "tough" to take, but urged his players to keep fighting over the final 10 games of the season. For the sixth straight year, the Lakers (31-41) will not be in the postseason – not the outcome they expected after signing four-time NBA MVP LeBron James. Their fate was formally sealed on Friday in a 111-106 home loss to the Brooklyn Nets, a fifth straight defeat coming despite 25 points, 14 assists and nine rebounds from James, as well as 33 points and 20 rebounds from an inspired JaVale McGee.
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