Lakers fall to Clippers on last-second miss from Davis.
The Lakers late 4th quarter rally was cut short by the rival Clippers, coming back from a 16-point deficit, the Lakers had an opportunity to win on the final possession, with Anthony Davis finding a lane to get the last shot, toilet flushing out of the rim to fall to the Clippers 111–110, dropping their record to 25–28.
Despite the Clippers having their top stars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George out, the Lakers were still having trouble defensively against the Clipper's role players, with Reggie Jackson (25-points) and Marcus Morris Sr. (29-points) combining for 54 points. With both players shooting above 50% from the floor, Morris Sr. finishing 69% shooting (11-for-16) and Jackson going 50% overall (10-for-20).
The Lakers suffered another devastating setback in the second quarter of tonight's defeat, losing Carmelo Anthony to what seemed to be a right hamstring strain, losing yet another vet with LeBron James already out with a knee injury.
Finishing his second straight game with a 30-point performance, Anthony Davis gave the Lakers a winnable performance and a heartbreaking final shot that looked as though it was spinning in, ending the night with 30 points on 50% shooting, adding 17 rebounds, and a pair of blocks and steals in 37 minutes of action.
After the game, Frank Vogel said Carmelo Anthony would be reevaluated tomorrow for his hamstring injury.
Davis spoke on his final attempt (that could have won the game), saying: "Got the ball, and the lane was open. I just watched it like seven times. The ball touched every part of the rim. Can't ask for a better look, tough play, tough miss. Frustrating. Guys fought hard and battled."
The Lakers' second-leading scorer was Malik Monk, who finished with 21 points on 42% shooting, adding 7 rebounds and 7 assists in 33 minutes of action.
After the game, Monk was asked about the Lakers' inconsistency throughout the season, vocalizing: "I'm tired of saying it, man. We got to figure shit out."
The Lakers' next matchup comes at home against the 24–28 New York Knicks Saturday in their third home game in a four-game stretch.