Lakers collapse against Wizards in LeBron's historic night.
LeBron James’ historic night passing Karl Malone on the all-time scoring list was spoiled by late-game blunders, as the Lakers found themselves back in the losing column, surrendering a 16-point lead and falling to the Wizards 127–119, dropping their record back to 11 games under .500 at 30–41.
“Trying to separate. It’s bittersweet.” Frank Vogel said on separating LeBron from becoming the second all-time scorer in NBA history from the loss, also adding that he believed LeBron James was aggressive in his approach to the game, calling it a “signature performance.”
In LeBron’s historic night of passing Karl Malone, James finished another game leading the Lakers in points, scoring 38 points on 55% (16-for-29) shooting overall, shooting 4-for-10 from three, adding 10 rebounds, and 6 assists in 35 minutes of action.
“I’m always just lost for words. It’s an honor for myself, for my family and friends and my hometown,” LeBron said, in part, of passing Karl Malone.
“At the end of the day all I care about are wins and losses,” LeBron added, “We just haven’t been consistent all year.” Outside of his historic feat in the team’s loss.
The Lakers squandered one of Russell Westbrook’s most efficient and successful two-way performances of the season, finishing with 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists in 36 minutes, shooting 67% on 10-of-15 shooting overall, while also continuing a long habit of losing on nights when LeBron James creates history.
“Defensively in the fourth, we weren’t as great as we were last night,” Westbrook said, comparing last night’s overtime win to tonight’s loss.
The Lakers’ next matchup comes on the road on Monday against LeBron’s hometown team Cleveland Cavaliers, who currently sit at 40–30 as the Lakers look to climb back in the win column with the Pelicans just a half a game back behind them.