On Tuesday night, the Los Angeles Lakers suffered a shock 118-104 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. The Lakers got off to a hot start, leading by as many as nine points in the first quarter but it was all 76ers after that. They dominated in the next two quarters and dropped the visitors to 26-19 on the season.
LeBron James was the Lakers’ best player on the night with 31 points (10-16 FG), eight rebounds, nine assists, and a steal. His co-star Anthony Davis, meanwhile, exited the game in the first quarter due to an abdominal strain. Davis recorded four points (2-3 FG), two rebounds, and a steal before he was forced to leave. Dalton Knecht was the only supporting cast member to step up in his absence, finishing with 24 points (8-13 FG) and five rebounds off the bench.
Lakers fans were understandably fuming after losing in this manner to a short-handed 76ers team.
“S***show of a performance tonight,” one fan didn’t hold back on this performance.
“AD or no AD, that effort is highly unacceptable… be better,” one Lakers fan was very critical of the effort that was on display.
“This was a very disappointing loss to a short-handed Philly team. The Lakers got blitzed. SMH,” one fan can’t believe that the Lakers got blitzed by the short-handed 76ers of all teams.
“Pathetic team. Trade for a real center,” one Lakers fan demanded the team trade for a center.
“Can we start on how this all starts with Austin Reaves, god damn? His defense is horrible and he’s so inconsistent, ngl I would trade him,” one fan brutally called out Austin Reaves.
Austin Reaves certainly didn’t step up in Davis’ absence, finishing with 13 points (6-10 FG), six rebounds, eight assists, and a steal. We have seen the 26-year-old be very aggressive at various points this season but he was very passive here at a time when the Lakers needed more from him.
Reaves also struggled massively on defense, although his teammates didn’t exactly cover themselves in glory either. They collapsed without Davis and that’s very concerning, especially considering both Joel Embiid and Paul George weren’t playing for the 76ers.
The Lakers had no answer for Tyrese Maxey, who put up 43 points (15-26 FG), three rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Kelly Oubre Jr. also impressed, with 20 points (8-18 FG), eight rebounds, and five assists, as the 76ers improved to 18-27 on the season.
Another big problem for the Lakers here was turnovers. They had 22 of them and it led to 27 points for the 76ers. James was the biggest culprit, as he had eight turnovers and needs to be more careful with the ball, especially when Davis isn’t playing.
It’s unclear if Davis will miss time with this groin injury and the Lakers certainly would be hoping he isn’t out for too long. They’ll be in action next against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on Thursday at 7 PM ET. As for the 76ers, they take on the Sacramento Kings at Golden One Center on Wednesday at 7:30 PM ET.
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