The Los Angeles Lakers’ 5th straight loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday was a tough night for many of their fans. Despite the discouraging result, there were some bright spots that could keep them in this game and give hope to second-guessers around LA.
The Los Angeles Lakers have lost 5 straight games and are now on a 5 game losing streak. They have had some bright spots in the past few weeks, but they need to start winning soon. Read more in detail here: los angeles lakers.
Let’s start with the bad news: the Los Angeles Lakers (16-18) have lost five consecutive games for the first time since March of this year after their frantic rally against the Brooklyn Nets fell short.
The Lakers came close to pulling off a Christmas miracle in their first game on the Crypto.com floor, but were defeated 122-115 by a Nets team that was missing Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, as well as having more players in health and safety regulations than the Lakers.
Russell Westbrook scored a triple-double for the eighth time this season. Despite this, he missed 16 of his 20 shots, including a slew of bunnies. (There were other defensive gaffes as well.) Talen Horton-Tucker was a dud (a troubling trend). Since Anthony Davis’ injury, the Lakers have gone 0-5. LeBron had to play 40 minutes, and his team was behind by eight points in the eight minutes he took a break.
The Lakers were hampered by inconsistency once again, and they built themselves a hole early on.
After the game, Lakers interim head coach David Fizdale commented, “It was a story of quarters.” He is, in fact, correct:
- Brooklyn 38, Lakers 23 in the first quarter.
- Brooklyn 29, Lakers 38 in the second quarter
- Brooklyn 36, Lakers 20 in the third quarter
- Brooklyn 20, Lakers 33 in the fourth quarter
“Shit’s constantly hitting us in the ass,” Malik Monk said of the Lakers’ proclivity for falling behind by significant margins.
December 26, 2021 — Michael Corvo (@michaelcorvoNBA)
The good: In the fourth quarter, the Lakers rallied to almost erase a 23-point deficit.
It’s never good to lose five games in a row (the Lakers haven’t done so since March of 2019). As a result, here are five good lessons from the most recent crazy night in downtown Los Angeles.
1) Malik Monk has returned.
Monk was sharp as a point after spending the last ten days in COVID-19 procedures. His enthusiasm was crucial during his 35 minutes on the court, and he scored 20 points off the bench.
MALIK MONK TIES THE GAME FROM DOWN 17! @BrooklynNets 115 @Lakers 115
On ABC/ESPN with 45 seconds left…Nets ball. pic.twitter.com/1nbVLNJBoe
December 26, 2021 — NBA (@NBA)
Monk’s performance was described by Fizdale as “really outstanding.” “He gave us a great, enormous lift tonight,” says the coach.
“Shit — that I’m back,” Malik Monk said when asked what message he was hoping to convey with his comeback tonight. That’s all there is to it, dude.”
December 26, 2021 — Michael Corvo (@michaelcorvoNBA)
2) Stanley Johnson plays an important role.
Stanley Johnson was born and raised in Orange County. He held the Lakers and Angelenos like Russell Westbrook and James Harden in high regard.
Johnson shone on Saturday in his debut game for his local team and on the same court as his heroes.
Stanley Johnson claims that making an impact and being ready for tonight was “not that difficult.”
“It’s just going about my business. It was just another day at the workplace… I’m only trying to be as helpful as possible.” pic.twitter.com/ZfHy9ruxmQ
December 26, 2021 — Harrison Faigen (@hmfaigen)
Johnson was given a 10-day contract on Friday (he began the season with the South Bay Lakers, so he knows the system a bit). His defensive skill and toughness became decisive 24 hours later.
Johnson didn’t take long to establish himself as the greatest opponent for Harden. Should he stay, the Lakers may be able to ascertain that in a short amount of time.
Johnson’s body (he’s jacked) is impressive in person, and he’s fighting for job security, of course. Once he got on the floor, though, the importance of having another defensive-minded, above-average athlete on the wing became obvious. (Darren Collison, the Lakers’ other newcomer, went scoreless in 12 minutes.) His worth is unknown.)
Fizdale remarked of his work with Harden, “Stanley Johnson was wonderful on him.” “That’s a significant deal for a person who’s just been promoted.”
Most of the Lakers’ greatest defenders are on the bench, as LeBron pointed out on Tuesday. Johnson could be just what you’re looking for (along with booster shots.)
“I’m simply going about my business.” “It was just like every other day at work,” Johnson said. “All I’m trying to do is be as valuable as possible.”
Stanley Johnson, a native of Southern California who shone in his Lakers debut, expressed his appreciation for the chance to play for his hometown club.
“Watching the Lakers play was one of the things that helped me fall in love with basketball.”
December 26, 2021 — Michael Corvo (@michaelcorvoNBA)
LeBron James (#3)
As for LeBron, as his 37th birthday approaches, the 19-year veteran continues to play otherworldly basketball.
Against Brooklyn, LeBron had 39 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, and three steals. He made 14 of 25 shots from the field in December, averaging 28.9 points on 55% shooting.
@KingJames x #NBAAllStar Christmas Game No. 16 pic.twitter.com/E4gRjOL4JI
— December 26, 2021, Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers)
Rather of fully applauding LeBron’s brilliance, the Lakers couldn’t help but bemoan the fact that his efforts haven’t resulted in victories.
“Man, he’s a robot.” “He’s free to do anything he wants,” Monk remarked. And you’re not winning, and you’re not assisting, dude. We’re as enraged as everyone else.”
Fizdale acknowledged, “I’m kicking myself in the head because he’s giving me unbelievable me effort.” “I’m trying to think of ways to help him get over the hump with that effort, and I hate that it’s being squandered on defeats.” Even if those games are turning into Ls, it’s fun to watch and be a part of it. I’ve never seen somebody like him before. We’d best be thanking our fortunate stars he’s here.”
When it comes to LeBron, he’s more concerned with the end product than with the data.
In his postgame statements, James remarked, “I don’t really care about the way I play if it results in a defeat.”
LeBron James is getting a lot of minutes and is carrying a lot of weight. The Lakers had better start racking up victories.
4) Westbrook’s other accomplishments
After the game, James stood up for Westbrook (Russ refused to talk to the media) and was mostly positive of his teammate.
“His decision-making was phenomenal today,” LeBron added, referring to Westbrook’s 12 rebounds, five of which were offensive. “We’re well aware that we’re not one of the league’s best offensive rebounding teams. He lavished us with gifts…. In terms of effort, if a player works hard and leaves it everything on the field, I have no issue with it.”
Westbrook’s aggressiveness was credited by David Fizdale.
“A large part of it is simply how much he wants it,” Fizdale remarked. “I mean, you can see it in him, everyone can.” He’s desperate for it. And I know how difficult it is for him when things don’t work out. And I’m sure he’s concerned…. I simply want him to relieve some of the strain on himself and continue attacking and playing the way we know he can.”
It’s all true: Westbrook’s shot selection was excellent (all but four shots were in the paint), his rebounding was outstanding, and his playmaking and enthusiasm were consistent throughout the game.
“Right now, in the possession game, we’re getting our butts stomped,” Fizdale stated last Sunday. “Teams get much too more shots at the goal than we do.”
The Lakers attempted seven more shots than their opponent on Saturday.
5) A couple of missed layups
If there’s one reason for the Lakers to be optimistic — or rather, not excessively disheartened — after their defeat to the Nets, it’s this: They can reasonably argue that if Russell Westbrook scores a few more layups, they’ll win.
On Saturday, Russ missed 11 (!) rim attempts, including a failed dunk in the closing 30 seconds.
Russell Westbrook’s dunk attempt is blocked by the rim pic.twitter.com/M72D7uaNfh
December 26, 2021 — Billy Heyen (@BillyHeyen)
LeBron stated, “I believe he had an off-shooting night.” “I believe he missed a lot of shots near the rim this season that he’s been used to hitting throughout his career.” So, don’t be too concerned about it.”
Depending on how full your glass of Lobos is, the Lakers are either a few inches away from victory — or a metaphor for the rest of the season.
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