Lakers officially eliminated from playoffs with loss to Suns.
The Lakers appeared to be one of the best teams in the West before the season began, adding all-star Russell Westbrook, things appeared to be looking up for Los Angeles’ new big three. However, injuries and out-of-sync games led to one of the most disappointing seasons in franchise history, with the Lakers officially being eliminated from play-in (playoff) contention in tonight’s 121–110 loss to the Phoenix Suns and wins from the Pelicans and Spurs.
”I can say it’s not been due to a lack of effort: We have all put in the work,” coach Frank Vogel said. “Our guys stayed fighting right until the end.”
In 79 games played so far this season (three games left), the Lakers big three had a short time on the floor as a trio, playing just 21 games together to a possible 79 games, with Anthony Davis missing 39 games and LeBron missing 22 games both due to injuries.
“If we could have logged more minutes” as a trio, Davis believes he, LeBron, and Russ could have worked it out.
“Our goal was to win a championship. I feel like we had the pieces, but injuries got in the way of that. I feel like that was the difference." Davis added.
Russell Westbrook was the Lakers' leading scorer in tonight’s loss, finishing with 28 points on 50% (10-for-20) shooting from the floor, adding 5 rebounds and 3 assists with 6 total turnovers in 34 minutes.
Westbrook spoke about continuing with the Lakers next season for a chance at having a healthy season between the trio.
“I mean, that’s the plan. But nothing is promised. Yes, we want to be able to see what that looks like, what that entails over the course of an 82-game season.” Westbrook said.
Anthony Davis finished right behind Westbrook for second on the team in scoring with a double-double of 21 points and 13 rebounds, shooting 10-for-18 (55%) from the field in 35 minutes of action.
Carmelo Anthony spoke on the Lakers getting eliminated from playoff contention in tonight’s loss to the Suns.
“This is a season we just didn’t get it done. We had the tools. We can’t make no excuses about it. We just didn’t get it done.”
Anthony finished with 10 points on 3-of-10 (30%) shooting in 23 minutes off the bench for the Lakers.
The Lakers will travel to play the Warriors on Thursday for their last stop in the Bay this season, who sit at the 3rd seed of the West with a 50–29 record. Tip-off is slated for 7:00 p.m. PT and will be televised on Spectrum SportsNet and TNT Cable Channel.