As has been the case for almost the entire season, the Los Angeles Lakers weren’t able to get the win when it mattered the most. Playing against the New Orleans Pelicans in a game that would have major implications for the play-in tournament, the Lakers blew a 23-point lead and lost to the New Orleans Pelicans, further complicating things for them as they try to secure a playoff spot in the final stretch of the season.
Russell Westbrook was asked after the game what he thought went wrong for the Los Angeles Lakers against the New Orleans Pelicans. Westbrook seemed as confused as everyone else, as he told the reporter that he did not have an answer for him and that he wished he knew what happened to the Lakers on the night (0:00 onwards).
Russell Westbrook weighs in on what the #Lakers can do to make the most of the remaining eight regular season games. @LakersReporter pic.twitter.com/U0ihQcIkoC
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) March 28, 2022
“I don’t have an answer for you. I wish I did. No answer for you.”
Westbrook seemed to echo the frustration that NBA fans showed after the Lakers lost last night. Despite LeBron James’ 39 points, which made him only the second player in NBA history to reach the 37,000 career points milestone, the Lakers collapsed in the second half and allowed the New Orleans Pelicans to rally and get the all-important win.
The Lakers will play the Pelicans once again this weekend, in a game that they have no choice but to win if they want to make the playoffs. Prior to the Pelicans game last night, Westbrook had noted that the game was very important for the Lakers, and it would be like a playoff environment.
If this is how the Lakers will perform in a playoff setting, then Lakers fans will be hoping that they don’t make the postseason. This was a very poor showing from a team that knew how high the stakes were coming into the game.