The Los Angeles Lakers’ inconsistent season took another downturn as they faced a 130-112 defeat against the Brooklyn Nets, leaving them slipping under .500 and putting their Play-In Tournament participation in jeopardy. After leading the Nets by four points at halftime, the Lakers failed to secure back-to-back wins, extending their struggles this season.
“It’s over for the excuses, man. We got to play basketball.”
Darvin Ham: "It's over for the excuses, man. We got to play basketball." pic.twitter.com/B1ulAF33Vn
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) January 20, 2024
Head coach Darvin Ham expressed his frustration, saying the time for excuses is over, and the Lakers have to pick up the slack. The Lakers have been grappling with inconsistency, having won just seven of their last 20 matches since winning the In-Season Tournament in December. Despite occasional positive performances, the team has been unable to establish a sustained winning streak.
The game against the Nets showcased the Lakers’ recurring issue of a significant drop-off in the second half. Despite a promising first half, where they led by six points at halftime, the team faltered, allowing the Nets to outscore them by 24 points in the last two quarters. Ham emphasized the need for the team to decide their identity and address the inconsistency plaguing their performances.
LeBron James, who had a stat line of 24 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists, could not prevent the Lakers from succumbing to a disappointing loss. The team’s overall record now stands under .500 at 21-22, with their position in the Play-In Tournament becoming precarious.
As the Lakers grapple with internal issues and seek to address their inconsistencies, the challenge remains to find the right balance and rediscover the winning formula that seemed promising earlier in the season.
Anthony Davis’ Slams Lakers Defensive Effort
After a disappointing 130-112 loss to the Brooklyn Nets, Anthony Davis, the NBA Champion and key player for the Los Angeles Lakers, did not mince words when addressing the team’s defensive performance. The Lakers started the game strongly, holding a 37-28 lead after the first quarter. However, in the third quarter, the team faced a defensive breakdown, losing the frame by a score of 38-22.
In a candid statement to the media following the game, Davis bluntly assessed the team’s defensive shortcomings, particularly in the critical third quarter. He stated:
“Our defense was terrible. In the third quarter especially. Second half overall, but third quarter especially. Once they guys start getting confidence and playing free, it was tough for us to come back, especially when we’re missing shots.”
Anthony Davis: “I wouldn’t say it’s concerning. There’s frustration, for sure.” He says one comes from a place in being unable to succeed, the other is from not doing the things you’re capable of to succeed consistently. pic.twitter.com/YYCGsyppQa
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) January 20, 2024
Despite Davis contributing significantly with 26 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, three steals, and two blocks in the game, his individual performance wasn’t enough to secure a victory for the Lakers. The team’s struggles on the defensive end allowed the Nets to gain confidence and control the game.
Davis, who is currently in his 12th NBA season and fifth playing for the Lakers, has been a consistent performer throughout the season. He is averaging an impressive 25.2 points, 12.1 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.2 steals, and 2.5 blocks per game. Despite his individual excellence, the Lakers find themselves with a 21-22 record, placing them as the tenth seed in the competitive Western Conference.
The Lakers will have a chance to bounce back in their next game on Sunday, hosting the Portland Trail Blazers in Los Angeles. Davis and the team will need to address their defensive issues to secure a positive outcome and improve their standing in the conference.
We sincerely appreciate and respect you as a reader of our site. It would help us a lot if you follow us on Google News because of the latest update.
Thanks for following us. We really appreciate your support.
