Cavaliers clinch playoff berth with win over Lakers

Not that there was ever any doubt, but the Cleveland Cavaliers are postseason-bound.

The defending champs became the first Eastern Conference team to clinch a playoff berth following Sunday's 125-120 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.

As they have all campaign, Cleveland's Big Three led the way at Staples Center: Kyrie Irving put up a game-high 46 points on just 21 shots, LeBron James poured in 34 points, seven dimes, and six rebounds, while Kevin Love recorded a double-double of 21 points and 15 boards. It's the first time they've combined to score 100 points.

It seemed like just a matter of time for the Cavs, who've led the conference all year and were favored to make their third consecutive Finals appearance before the season even began.

It'll be the 12th straight postseason run for James, who will try to lead his hometown club to its second straight championship - and earn his fourth career ring - just one year after ending the city's 52-year title drought.

At 46-23, the Cavaliers lead the East by 2.5 games over the Boston Celtics with about a dozen games remaining.

Cleveland could've clinched the previous night with a win over the Los Angeles Clippers - combined with a Milwaukee Bucks loss to the Golden State Warriors - but the Cavs couldn't do their part without their All-Star trio, who sat out to rest.