The Los Angeles Lakers couldn’t end 2024 on a winning note, losing to the league-best Cleveland Cavaliers in a 110-122 loss at the Crypto.com arena in Los Angeles. In what was a historic night for LeBron James and saw the debut of two new Lakers, this result will sting the franchise.
The Lakers were led by Austin Reaves‘ monster 35 points (11-20 FG), nine rebounds, and 10 assists while Anthony Davis contributed 28 points (12-23), 13 rebounds, three steals, and two blocks. LeBron James put up 23 points (9-17 FG) and seven assists, but the trio couldn’t do enough to beat the best team in the NBA.
Fans reacted to the loss with disappointment but took away many positives from the team’s effort against the 29-4 Cavaliers.
“Now maybe LeBron wishes he were a Cav for a third time. Cleveland easily sweeps the Lakers with another ho-hum win, at LA. LeBron played OK at age 40 (23/4/7) but had to envy the visiting team,” said Skip Bayless saying LeBron wishes he was on the Cavaliers again.
“The Cavs are one of the hardest playing teams night to night that I’ve ever seen. They play beautiful basketball. They’re good and they know it and now they’re addicted to winning,” said a fan who is inspired by the Cavaliers’ style of play.
“Lakers talent-wise aren’t behind Cavs. At all. In terms of coaching, execution, and hustle…they are a universe apart. Literally, a universe apart,” said one fan implying the blame should fall on the Lakers coaching staff.
“Austin Reaves, you will be remembered,” said one fan hailing Reaves for his effort.
“Austin Reaves 30-piece and we still losing. Bro, this makes no sense,” said another fan shocked that the Lakers couldn’t win this despite Reaves’ performance.
“Bron, AD, and Reaves had 86 points on 53% from the floor. Everyone else had 27 points on 28% from the floor,” said a fan who was happy that the Lakers big three showed up tonight.
“Lakers be getting all these free throws but none for LeBron smh,” said one fan upset at the lack of free throws for LeBron.
The Cavs were led by Jarrett Allen, who scored 27 points (12-14 FG), 14 rebounds, and three blocks while excelling against Anthony Davis. Donovan Mitchell had 26 points (8-20 FG), while Evan Mobley had 20 points (8-14 FG) and six rebounds. Darius Garland struggled to score but had 14 points (5-16 FG) and 14 assists.
The Cavaliers look unbeatable. They currently lead the reigning champions Boston Celtics by five games in the standings. They’re on an eight-game win streak and playing near-perfect basketball in their first year under head coach Kenny Atkinson.
The Lakers fall to 18-14 after this loss, half a game behind the No. 6 seed. While Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton had a quiet debut, the team will hope that this loss can be chalked up to the Lakers being overmatched against the Cavs.
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