Lakers fall short in close 4th quarter against the Clippers.
Despite cutting it close multiple times in the 4th, the Lakers couldn’t get over the hump and take the lead, with the Clippers answering back when the score came close, losing 119–115 to move their season record to 12–12.
In the last minute, a pair of Luke Kennard open threes put the game away, and Marcus Morris’ dagger final second three that banked off the glass put the icing on the cake in tonight’s tight loss.
The free-throw line was the noticeable difference maker in tonight’s loss, with the Lakers shooting 62% (13–21) from the foul line in a four-point loss, with the Clippers taking advantage of going to the line, going 21 for 24 (87%) overall from the charity strike.
With Anthony Davis speaking on their struggles from the foul line in tonight’s loss, saying: “It starts with me. We’ve got to be better.”
Anthony Davis was the leading scorer in tonight’s defeat, finishing with a double-double of 27 points and 10 rebounds, shooting 10 for 15 (66%) overall from the floor.
LeBron James scored 23 points in his first game back after missing their last meeting due to a false positive COVID test, but he struggled to find his rhythm from the field, going 9 of 23 (39%) overall. James gave the Lakers spurts in other areas, finishing the game with 11 rebounds, 6 assists, and a couple of steals in his effort.
Head coach Frank Vogel spoke on LeBron’s performance in tonight’s loss after a two-day absence from the team, saying: “I commend him for playing a really good basketball game. He didn’t shoot it that well, but I thought he was great.”
In 29 minutes off the bench, Malik Monk scored 20 points on 4 of 8 (50%) shooting from the perimeter and 8 of 15 (53%) overall, scoring 14 of his 20 points in the 4th quarter in his effort.
After the game, Malik Monk spoke on where he fits on this Lakers team. “You never know how it’s going to go. I could have a night like tonight, or I could have 6 points. You never know.”
The Lakers will have the next three days off in preparation to face their historic rival Boston Celtics at home in a must-see matchup, with both teams looking to keep their record above .500 on the season.