The Los Angeles Lakers lost their fifth consecutive game against the Brooklyn Nets last night. The Purple and Gold landed with hopes to start their tenure at Crypto.com Arena with a win against a dangerous rival, but the shorthanded New Yorkers took care of things, bagging a 122-115 win on Christmas Day.
The home team had the chance to beat the Nets, but Russell Westbrook blew a big chance to cut the distance to only one point when he missed a clutch dunk with less than 30 seconds on the clock.
After a LeBron James’ pass found its way to Westbrook, the point guard took off to make a dunk, but two Nets defenders met him in the air, frustrating Russ’ attempt. He missed a big dunk, but the worst part was that LeBron stood in the corner, wide open, waiting for a pass from Brodie.
James couldn’t believe the outcome of the play and returned to defense in disbelief. The Lakers missed a big chance in that sequence, and the Nets cashed in, taking home the win and worsening the Lakers’ current situation.
Following the game, LeBron talked about Westbrook’s decision-making, claiming his teammate did a good job but is aware that he missed some good looks, something he hates.
“I think his decision-making was spectacular tonight… He gave us extra possessions, he just missed a lot of looks around the basket which I know he can’t stand as well.”
"I think his decision-making was spectacular tonight… He gave us extra possessions, he just missed a lot of looks around the basket which I know he can't stand as well." @KingJames on Westbrook, tonight's loss and surpassing Kobe as the all-time leading scorer on Christmas Day. pic.twitter.com/hQd9bSQNnN
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) December 26, 2021
The Lakers are now 16-18 despite having the easiest schedule until Christmas. After last night’s game, they will enter a challenging stretch, facing difficult rivals that will try to bury their playoffs hopes. Things aren’t going well for the Lakers and every game, they look worse than the one before. It’s time to wake up or they won’t even make the play-in tournament.
