Lakers' third-quarter struggles continue in Christmas Day loss.
DALLAS — The Lakers started hot in the first half against the Mavericks on Christmas Day before surrendering 51 points in the 3rd quarter and staying on cruise control for the rest of the game, losing to Dallas 124–115 in their 4th straight loss to drop their season record to 13–20.
“We talked about before the game just being able to initiate, sustain and finish with energy, effort, and competitiveness, and we left it in the locker room at halftime,” said head coach Darvin Ham.
Third quarters haven't been a rollercoaster-like battle for the Lakers all season, but since the injury to Anthony Davis, third quarters and second halves have been an amplified struggle for Los Angeles.
The Mavericks outscored the Lakers 51–21 in the 3rd quarter and 81–61 entirely in the second half in Sunday’s Christmas loss.
Today’s Christmas matchup marked LeBron’s NBA-record 17th career Christmas game, defining LeBron's longevity and availability in his NBA career.
“How many times are you going to dig yourself out until you have too much dirt on you?” said LeBron about the Lakers bouncing back from some of the challenges they’ve faced this year.
LeBron finished with a game-high 38 points on 13-for-23 (56%) shooting from the floor, notching 6 rebounds and 5 assists in 34 minutes.
Russell Westbrook and Austin Reaves were the only Lakers players to score in double figures behind LeBron, who both provided a solid boost off the Lakers’ bench.
Westbrook finished second in scoring with 17 points on 44% (7-for-16) shooting from the floor, adding 5 rebounds and 4 assists in 24 minutes.
Reaves finished with 16 points on 1-of-2 (50%) shooting from three and 5-for-7 (71%) total from the floor, notching 2 rebounds and 2 blocks in 28 minutes.
The Lakers will play their second game of a five-game road trip this Tuesday against the 13–21 Orlando Magics at 4:00 P.M. on Spectrum SportsNet.
