After the worst first half of his 20-year career where he scored just three points, LeBron James exploded for 30 after the halftime break. Still, the four-time MVP couldn’t carry the LA Lakers to a much-needed win over their rival, the LA Clippers. Despite the gutsy effort on the second night of a back-to-back set, some fans still couldn’t resist taking shots at “King James:”
After playing 38 minutes in the Lakers’ 135-133 overtime win against the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City, James didn’t have his legs early on. He was 1-6 from the field and had more turnovers (4) than points (3). LeBron James’ struggles were one of the biggest reasons why the Lakers fell 71-52 after the game’s first 24 minutes. The 38-year-old veteran, however, got his legs back in the second half.
The 19x All-Star exploded for 16 third-quarter points that helped the Lakers cut the Clippers’ 24-point advantage to eight points. Kawhi Leonard’s squad refused to buckle under the blistering rally and managed to end the third period with a 93-82 edge.
The well-rested Clippers, behind Norman Powell and Bones Hyland, made timely baskets and stops to hold off LeBron James’ last-ditch stand. Hyland’s three three-pointers seemed to deflate the Lakers’ gallant stand. Powell and Kawhi Leonard took care of the rest.
LeBron James, after a horrific start, finished with 33 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and six turnovers in 35 minutes. This was his time completing a back-to-back schedule since returning from a right foot injury that sidelined him for 13 games.
LeBron James and the LA Lakers remain in the play-in bracket
The loss to the LA Clippers kept LeBron James and the LA Lakers in the seventh spot and in the play-in bracket. They can still barge into the top six and earn an outright playoff berth if they can win their next two remaining games. Darvin Ham’s team will also have to hope that either the Golden State Warriors (42-38) or the Clippers (42-38) blow their next two games.
On the flip side, the Lakers can still fall to eighth or ninth if they close out the regular season without another win. The New Orleans Pelicans (41-39) and Minnesota Timberwolves (40-40) still have a slim chance of overtaking them. LeBron James’ next two games will be at Crypto.com Arena against the Phoenix Suns on Friday and the Utah Jazz on Sunday. All his team can do is try to run the table and then let the chips fall where they may.
If they can stay healthy, they’re going to be a very tough team to eliminate in the Play-in Tournament.
The LA Lakers are at full strength against the LA Clippers on Wednesday, with LeBron James, Anthony Davis and D’Angelo Russell all listed as available. Lakers fans rejoiced as the trio will play together in what could be their most important game of the season.
James, Davis and Russell were all initially listed as questionable before Wednesday’s report. The Lakers are coming off a grueling overtime win over the Utah Jazz on Tuesday. They could have held out James and Davis in the second game of a back-to-back.
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LA Lakers looking to end 10-game losing streak to LA Clippers
The LA Lakers are not just looking for their biggest and most important win of the season against the LA Clippers. The Lakers are also looking to end their 10-game losing streak against their city rivals.
It has been almost three years since the Lakers last beat the Clippers in the NBA. That happened on July 30, 2020, with the Lakers pulling off a narrow 103-101 win. LeBron James struggled in that game, putting up just 16 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists.
Anthony Davis had a huge game, though, scoring 34 points to lead the Lakers to victory. The Clippers were also fully healthy in that game, with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George playing 33 and 34 minutes, respectively.
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