Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, left, drives past Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner, right, in the first half of an NBA ...

The Pacers have a tougher playoff path this year than they did a year ago, but last year's experience makes them better equipped for it.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) moves into Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Wednesday, March 26, 2025.

Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) drives on Dallas Mavericks forward Kessler Edwards (20) during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Wednesday, March 19, 2025.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) moves into Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Wednesday, March 26, 2025.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James scored 10 points ... leading the Los Angeles Lakers past the Indiana Pacers with a last-second tip-in. James scored 10 of his 13 points in the fourth ...

Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin (00) shoots over Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Wednesday, March 26 ...

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts after hitting the game winning shot against the Indiana Pacers at the end of an NBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Wednesday, March 26 ...

INDIANAPOLIS — Pascal Siakam scored 29 points, Bennedict Mathurin scored 16 of his 23 in the fourth quarter and the Indiana Pacers rallied from an 11-point deficit in the final six minutes to ...

INDIANAPOLIS — LeBron James had a buzzer-beating tip-in to cap a 10-point fourth quarter, Luka Doncic scored 34 points and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Indiana Pacers 120-119 on Wednesday night.