Lakers’ Anthony Davis Laments Missed Free Throws in Loss to Celtics

Star forward/center Anthony Davis has had a magnificent season and put together a remarkable showing in Tuesday’s home game against the rival Celtics.

But he missed two free throws that likely could’ve iced the game in regulation, and that’s something he said weighed on his mind. 

Before that, the Lakers rallied from a 20-point deficit … led by 13 with 4:00 left in regulation … then let it slip away against their most-bitter rival on their own home court.

“I haven’t thought about the rest of the game,” Davis said, via Dave McMenamin of ESPN. “Make two free throws, go up four, different ballgame. To me, the rest doesn’t matter. Had a chance to ice the game and missed both.”

Davis also badly missed a 3-pointer in the OT, and perhaps all of it was the result of tired legs. He played the entire second half, while LeBron James played all but about two minutes.

But you can’t blame coach Darvin Ham for being afraid to rest either player. It’s not like the Lakers (11-16) are stacked.

“Strategically, trying to see how we can wisely use our timeouts and give (Davis and James) breaks that way,” Ham told reporters. “I could have done a better job in certain instances in using my timeouts quicker. But that falls on me. Got to get better in that regard.”

While the Lakers have yet to show consistent signs they will be a true playoff contender, point guard Russell Westbrook clearly isn’t giving up on the season.

“If you’re a competitor, you should believe,” Westbrook said. “But I can’t speak for everybody. I know for myself, as long as I’m, God willing, able to compete, then I’ll do that till it’s all said and done. But I’m pretty sure guys believe. It’s just about creating some consistency across the board.”

James was equally positive.

“We didn’t close it out. But loved our effort,” he said. “I loved our tenacity in the second half and put ourselves in a position to win a ballgame playing against a great team.”

Chuck: “Are the Lakers contenders?”

Shaq: “They’re gonna make the playoffs.”

Chuck: “Everybody make the playoffs.” ?

This really is the best postgame show in sports history @NBAonTNT

— Sam Amico (@AmicoHoops) December 14, 2022