Lakers drop their 4th straight in big loss to Spurs.
Following an 18-point defeat to the Suns on Tuesday, the Lakers lost their fourth game in a row, giving up a season-high in points allowed, falling 138–110 to the San Antonio Spurs in their last game at Staples Center, dropping their season record under .500 at 16–17.
The Spurs took advantage of a short-handed Lakers team that had a total of four players (Malik Monk, Kent Bazemore, Austin Reaves, Trevor Ariza) out with health and safety protocol, including all-star Anthony Davis (Kendrick Nunn/Bone bruise), who's out for four weeks with a left knee MCL sprain.
The Lakers' defense had its worst outing of the season, allowing the Spurs to shoot 46% from behind the arc and 48% from the field overall, with San Antonio's bench scoring 69 points in the 28-point loss.
In tonight's tough loss, LeBron James finished with a game-high 36 points on 58% (15 for 26) shooting overall from the floor, adding 9 rebounds and 6 assists in his efforts.
LeBron discussed the absence of the Lakers' top defenders and preparation in the Christmas showdown against the Nets, saying: "We don't need a full roster. All our defensive guys are in protocols–Avery, Baze, TA, and Austin."
James also voiced his frustration with players in and out of the lineup due to health and safety protocol, saying: "We have no chemistry with any lineup, from the simple fact that we haven't logged any minutes. What is our starting lineup besides me, AD, and Russ?"
Russell Westbrook was the only other reliable scoring option next to LeBron, scoring 30 points (12 for 20) in 35 minutes on 60% shooting from the field, including a huge 17 point third-quarter spark while adding 7 rebounds and 4 assists in his efforts.
Russ commented on the numerous shifts in the lineups and players entering and exiting health and safety regulations, saying: "Figure it out. That's all you can do is figure it out."
The Lakers' next game comes on Christmas Day against the Brooklyn Nets, who are dealing with similar issues with players in and out of the lineup due to health and safety protocols.