Luka and the Lakers believe they can win a championship after wrapping up the Pacific title

LOS ANGELES (AP) — After the Los Angeles Lakers beat Houston on Friday night to clinch the Pacific Division title and the third seed in the playoffs with their 50th victory of the season, their postgame celebration was both wild and wet.

The jubilant shouts and roars from their locker room could be heard through the cement walls of the tunnel in their downtown arena. The aquatic element of the festivities became obvious moments later when coach JJ Redick emerged with damp hair and wearing a green Philadelphia Eagles sweatshirt, which he called “the only dry item of clothing I have.”

“Hopefully, in the next nine days, the $17,000 in damage to the carpet can get fixed," Redick said jokingly. “There was about eight ice buckets put on me.”

Redick and his players had earned a few moments of fun. A team led by a rookie head coach and LeBron James has navigated through a massive midseason trade, survived several recent setbacks and emerged as a clear contender for a deep playoff run.

And perhaps even a title challenge for a franchise with 17 banners already in the rafters?

“I feel like we can win a championship, to be honest with you,” Austin Reaves said. “The reason for that is I know everybody in that locker room believes that.”

James didn't speak to the media after the game, but Luka Doncic echoed Reaves' assessment of the Lakers' belief in their championship quality after they wrapped up the division with their seventh win in 10 games down the stretch.

“I think we have the team to do it,” said Doncic, who scored 39 points in three quarters against the Rockets. “When everybody is locked in, we’re a hard team to beat, so that’s our goal.”

The goal seems increasingly realistic, which is even more impressive because this version of the Lakers has only been together for two months.

Doncic played his first game for Los Angeles on Feb. 10, several days after the Dallas Mavericks shocked the basketball world by dealing the Slovenian superstar in a package for Anthony Davis. The Lakers are 19-12 since then — not a jaw-dropping record, but one that stands out given the upheaval they've faced.

“The guys that have been here all along, they went through every single peak and valley,” Redick said. “I think even this third iteration of this team has gone through a bunch of peaks and valleys. Just incredibly proud of our team. It’s an accomplishment to win 50 games in the regular season in any year, particularly in this year, in this Western Conference.”

The Lakers now have one of the NBA's best scorers in their lineup next to the top scorer in basketball history, and the partnership is increasingly enticing.

Doncic and James combined for 53 points in 53 minutes against the Rockets in what was probably their final outing before the playoffs begin next weekend. Los Angeles also finished 31-10 at home, posting the third-best home record in the league.

Clinching the No. 3 seed means the Lakers can rest their top players Sunday in Portland, and everyone can get some time off next week while the play-in tournament occurs. Los Angeles had to slog through the play-in games in each of the previous two seasons after finishing seventh in the West with James and Anthony Davis.

When the Lakers finally learn their first-round matchup Sunday, they can begin mentally preparing for the final chapter in a season full of drama — but still lacking a Hollywood ending.

“I was joking with my best friend the other day, talking about how I feel like this year has been five years in total, but then again, it feels like it just started at the same time,” Reaves said. “As much as this group has been through, every time we hit any type of adversity, we bounce right back, and that’s all you can ask of a group.”

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James shoots during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets, Friday, April 11, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves celebrates after hitting a three-point shot during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets, Friday, April 11, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves, left, and forward LeBron James celebrate at the bench during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets Friday, April 11, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, left, celebrates from the bench after the Lakers scored during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets Friday, April 11, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick looks on during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Sunday, April 6, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, center, celebrates from the bench after the Lakers scored during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets Friday, April 11, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr 16, 2025--

Acuity Knowledge Partners (Acuity), a leading provider of bespoke research, analytics, talent and technology solutions to the financial services industry, announced today the appointment of Kelvin Cheema as Managing Director, Global Transformation & Change and Interim Global Chief Information Officer.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250415520549/en/

Kelvin is tasked with driving technology leadership, an ambitious, company-wide digital transformation initiative that integrates cutting-edge technologies and data-driven decision-making processes across the organisation.

In this pivotal role, Kelvin will lead Acuity’s strategic technological advancement, ensuring seamless integration of technology, data and operations to enhance client outcomes and operational efficiency. His leadership is anticipated to be instrumental in leveraging artificial intelligence and automated solutions to refine business processes, and bolster risk management frameworks.

“Kelvin’s joining marks a significant evolution in our strategic direction,” remarked Ian Mullen, Chief Financial Officer, Acuity Knowledge Partners. “His deep expertise in orchestrating global transformations and his visionary approach are critical as we navigate through this era of digital acceleration. Acuity is at a critical juncture; our ability to harness data, insights, and automation will differentiate us and drive sustainable growth. We are confident that Kelvin’s leadership will be pivotal in fostering innovation and making informed, strategic decisions for our clients globally.”

Kelvin brings over two decades of experience in driving transformation across a spectrum of industries, including prominent stints at the Royal Bank of Scotland, HSBC, Lloyds Banking Group, Kingfisher, Convatec Group, Heathrow Airport Holdings, Domino’s Pizza and the Big 4 management consulting firms. Kelvin is an alumnus of Oxford Business School and INSEAD.

“By consolidating our capabilities in IT, HR, M&A, Sales, Delivery, and all enablement supporting teams into a cohesive, insight-driven framework, we are positioning Acuity for sustained growth, agility, and impactful market presence,” stated Kelvin. “I am eager to advance our transformation agenda to further strengthen Acuity as the foremost data, analytics, and AI-led technology solution provider to global financial customers.”

In this new role, Kelvin will spearhead a global portfolio of enterprise-wide business and technology transformative initiatives, boosting data-driven intelligence, AI innovation and M&A integration.

About Acuity Knowledge Partners:

Acuity Knowledge Partners (Acuity) is a leading provider of bespoke research, data management, analytics, talent, and technology solutions to the financial services industry, including asset managers, corporate and investment banks, private equity and venture capital firms, hedge funds and consulting firms. Its global network of over 6,000 analysts and industry experts, combined with proprietary technology, supports more than 650 financial institutions and consulting companies to operate more efficiently and unlock their human capital and transforming operations. Acuity is headquartered in London and operates from 16 locations worldwide. Acuity was established as a separate business from Moody’s Corporation in 2019, following its acquisition by Equistone Partners Europe (Equistone). In January 2023, funds advised by global private equity firm Permira acquired a majority stake in the business from Equistone, which remains invested as a minority shareholder.

For further information, please visit www.acuitykp.com.

Kelvin Cheema, Managing Director, Global Transformation & Change and Interim Global CIO, Acuity Knowledge Partners