HOUSTON — Triple-double from LeBron JamesA high-scoring effort by Russell WestbrookThe efforts of the police to stop the riots were not enough. Los Angeles LakersThe self-destruction tour continues, with Wednesday’s 139-132 overtime loss to the Rockets the latest lowlight in an otherwise full season.
“We kinda messed about with the game, and they had confidence throughout that night,” Westbrook said. He had 30 points on 11-of-22 shooting (7 of 8 on free throws), eight rebound, six assists, and one turnover.
When Westbrook was asked to elaborate, Westbrook stated that Houston’s inability to respond to defensive urgency from L.A. allowed it to get rolling.
“We gave up 32 and 36-point quarters [in the]He stated that the first and third quarters are very close, which is quite a number of points.” “Guys made some shots. Now, when? [it is]For guys [shooting who are]They’ll make them, even though they won’t normally make 3s.
They were able to make it in overtime, boy! The Rockets began the extra session with a 10-0 run. They ended up going 7-for-8 from the field as a team, including 5-for-5 from 3.
Lakers forward: “They caught fire during that overtime.” Carmelo Anthony said. “Everybody.”
Rockets star rookie Jalen GreenL.A. was outscored 10-7 in overtime by a single player until that point. Malik MonkThe outcome was decided when Green made a 3 with 25.7 seconds remaining. Green, who scored a career high 32 points, said that Anthony’s success was dependent on him going after him.
Green explained that “our game plan was just attack Melo, and find the mismatch in the floor.” “So, when it came down it was just Melo that we were after and I was attacking him every single time.”
L.A. had an opportunity to avoid overtime when James drove left wing towards the hoop. With the score tied 120-120, and the clock ticking, his pass to Anthony resulted a 22-foot jump shot which was missed at buzzer.
James said that he ended up behind the backboard. He had 23 points and 14 rebounds, and 12 assists to complete his fifth triple-double. However, he shot only 9-for-26 overall, 1-for-9 from 3, and five turnovers. “I felt a little off-balance. I could have forced a reverse layup. However, I was not in a position where I felt like I could have gotten a great look. Melo’s look is better than mine. I could have had a decent look.
Anthony stated: “I saw Bron going into the basket. I was just trying to see his eyesight. Although I believed he had a layup on my part, after watching the replay from the bench, it was clear that he was a bit off balance.
At the end of the game, the Lakers had lost their sixth consecutive game in seven since the All Star break. This time, they were playing against a Houston team with the worst record in league play. The Rockets remain 32 games below.500 despite the victory over L.A.
Westbrook stated that opponents are going to compete and they’re playing the Lakers. This is regardless of their record. “As you guys can see, when the Lakers play, people get up to enjoy those games. … It’s something they can do.”
The Lakers’ inability to close tight games has been a constant problem. James stated that L.A. has a narrow margin of error and this is why it’s so difficult for the Lakers to close out tight games. Anthony DavisOut with a left foot strain.
Anthony said, “It is right there, man.” It’s a play here and a play there. It’s there to help us get over this hump.
James, who was unable to play for the first time in a game due to soreness in his left leg, agreed with Anthony that the cumulative effects of all the near misses are beginning to affect the team’s mental health.
“It certainly plays a role and starts seeingping into your head, for sure,” said he.
James scored a total of 3-for-12 in overtime and the fourth quarter.
He said, “I didn’t feel like taking any bad ones or bad shots tonight.” “It wasn’t falling for it.”
Frank Vogel, Lakers coach, supported James as he played for the first time in his 56-point win over the Lakers. Golden State Warriors last weekend.
Vogel stated, “He’s giving to us everything he can.”
New Orleans, PortlandAnd San AntonioThe three teams below the Lakers were also defeated on Wednesday, so L.A. remained at No. 9 in the Western Conference despite dropping nine games below.500 for only the second time this season.
James stated that the standings won’t have any bearing on his approach to the 17 remaining games of the regular season. As long as his knee is healthy enough, James will be able to continue playing.
James stated, “I would probably be wearing uniform no matter what,” “It doesn’t matter whether we were nine games below.500 or nine over.500. It all depends on how. [the knee] feels. My love for the games and how I play them, and me dressing up in suits have nothing to do with records or other things of this nature. It’s not me.
James made a personal pledge to play but Westbrook stated that he would take it upon himself team building, no matter how grim the situation might be.
Westbrook stated, “Try and make sure everyone’s trying to keep connected through all of this stuff.” “Because there is a lot happening with us as a group, it’s easy for people to trust one another and spread out.”