For the third straight game, the Lakers surrendered at least 130 points and lost. This one came at home, to the 9-24 Hornets.
On the bright side, they overcame a 16-point deficit to make a game of it. On the downside, they now embark on a five-game road trip, starting Christmas Day vs. the Mavericks.
“Obviously, had our chances tonight,” star forward LeBron James told reporters. “I won’t say (it’s) disappointing, because I’m not disappointed in our effort. I’m not disappointed in the guys. You just want to win the game that’s right there in front of you.”
LA’s defense was already not great when big man Anthony Davis was healthy. In the most recent four games he’s missed, though, it’s been fairly atrocious.
“It’s hard when you lose someone like AD,” guard Austin Reaves said. “He’s the centerpiece of what we do defensively. Since he went out, the defensive rating hasn’t been great. It’s just too many points. You’re not going to win many games like that.”
- Center Thomas Bryant exited the game with a shoulder injury with about 3 minutes to go in the fourth quarter. Coach Darvin Ham did not have an immediate update.
- Wednesday’s game marked the Lakers’ first sellout since Nov. 6.
- James scored 18 of his 34 points in the fourth quarter. He scored or assisted on 11 straight points in the final 2:30. But he lost his shoe on his final drive, and was forced to pass off to guard Patrick Beverley for a corner 3-pointer. Beverley was wide open, but missed.
- The pain in Davis’ foot is reportedly subsiding, as we relayed here. He is expected to be reevaluated in 7-10 days.
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