Lakers dismantled by Bucks in one-sided slug-fest.
Despite cutting it within ten in the 4th quarter, the Lakers couldn't get over the hump in a one-sided slug-fest, with the Bucks dismantling the Lakers behind Giannis' 44 points, falling to Milwaukee 131–116 to drop their season record to 26–29.
Despite being neck and neck in overall field goal percentage with the Bucks, as the Lakers finished 52% (44-for-85) overall and the Milwaukee going 54% (52-for-96) overall, the Lakers' low shooting percentage from three and 16 turnovers were the surrounding reasons for tonight's loss. The Lakers shot 31% (10-for-32) overall from behind the arc compared to the Bucks' 42% (15-for-36) from three.
In his second game back from injury, LeBron James finished his 20th straight game with 25 plus points, scoring 27 points on 58% (11-for-19) shooting, adding 8 assists and 5 rebounds in 34 minutes of action.
Lebron spoke on the Lakers' multiple lineups used this season and the adjustments throughout, saying: "It doesn't matter what lineups are out there, you've got to go out there and do your job. We're all trying to figure it out. Including the coaching staff."
Anthony Davis was the Lakers' second-leading scorer, finishing with 22 points on 80% (8-for-10) shooting, adding 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 blocks in 37 minutes.
After being benched in overtime in the win over the Knicks, Russell Westbrook didn't play a single minute in the 4th quarter of tonight's loss, finishing with just 10 points on a whopping 27% (3-for-11) shooting overall, but was able to add 10 rebounds and 5 assists in 26 minutes.
After the game Westbrook was seen speaking to LeBron and AD on the bench and was asked about the situation, saying: "I told [AD and LeBron] I wish I could help them. Unfortunately, I wasn't in the game to help. that's not my call."
Later explaining if he knows the benchmarks he has to hit to make the Lakers' closing lineup, saying: "I shouldn't have to hit any benchmarks, to be honest. I put a lot of work in. I got a lot of respect in this game. I earned the right to be in closing lineups."
The Lakers' next matchup comes Wednesday night on the road against the new rebuilding Portland Trail Blazers, who sit at 21–34 this season in a matchup that should help put the Lakers back on the win column.