Lakers fall to Nets on Christmas day as woes continue.
After giving up a season-high 138 points in Thursday's loss to the Spurs, the Lakers' woes continued on Christmas night, falling to the Brooklyn Nets 122–115 in their 5th straight loss to drop their record to 16–18.
The major difference-maker in tonight's close loss occurred in the third quarter, where the Lakers were outscored 36–20. In the 4th, the Lakers were able to rally back from a 23-point deficit to tie the game in the final minutes, but their comeback was cut short by Patty Mills' corner three and James Harden's free throws as they both combined for 70 (Harden 36 points, Mills 34 points) points.
On Christmas Day, LeBron James became the holiday's all-time leading scorer, surpassing the late great Kobe Bryant with 39 points in a tight loss. In 39 minutes, James also had 9 rebounds, 7 assists, and a pair of steals on 56% shooting.
Interim head coach David Fizdale expressed frustration on LeBron's "incredible effort" being wasted on losses like tonight, later speaking on his performance tonight, saying: "He was spectacular. I hate that it's wasted on losses. We sure as hell should be thanking our lucky stars for this guy."
Malik Monk's spark off the bench provided a significant spark for the Lakers tonight, as he scored 20 points (2nd highest on the team) on 65% shooting in 35 minutes after returning from a five-game absence due to health and safety regulations.
Russell Westbrook had one of his worst performances in a Laker uniform, taking much criticism after tonight's game, finishing with an eye-opening 4 for 20 (20%) overall from the floor with a plus/minus of -23. Overall, Westbrook finished with a triple-double of 13 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists in 36 minutes of action.
LeBron spoke on Westbrook's performance tonight, saying: 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."
Earlier yesterday, the Lakers signed retired Darren Collison and Stanely Johnson to 10-day deals to help provide a needed depth with players out with health and safety protocol.
Darren Collison failed to register a basket on 3 shot attempts in 12 minutes played tonight, just adding 2 rebounds and an assist in his efforts.
Stanely Johnson was one of the few positive takeaways from tonight's Christmas loss, being everywhere on both ends of the floor with consistent energy and spark for the Lakers, scoring 7 points with a plus/minus of +6.
After the game, Johnson spoke on his high energy outing for LA, saying it "wasn't that hard" to make an impact and be ready tonight, later explaining: "It's just doing my job. Just like any other day in the office. I'm just trying to be as useful as I can."
The Lakers' next game will be on the road against the Houston Rockets on Tuesday in the first game of back-to-back road games, facing the Memphis Grizzlies right after on Wednesday.