Lakers comeback cut short in OT loss to 76ers.
PHILADELPHIA — The Lakers’ would-be epic comeback was cut short by a nonexistent overtime, falling to the 76ers 133–122 with LeBron James and Anthony Davis back in the lineup, losing their third straight game to drop their season record to 10–15.
“We competed our behind off and didn’t quit,” said head coach Darvin Ham on the team’s overall analysis.
Despite climbing back from a 9-point deficit with under 30 seconds left, the Lakers were still unable to come out with a win, getting the opportunity to take the lead with 3.7 seconds left with Anthony Davis at the foul line.
“I watched the tape, trying to see what I did wrong. Obviously I left it short, but everything else is the exact same — the follow through,” said Anthony Davis on his potential game leading free throw. “I put a lot of pressure on myself to make free throws, especially in that situation.”
Davis finished with a team-high 31 points on 69% (9-for-13) shooting overall, adding 12 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 2 steals in 36 minutes.
In his one-game absence from resting his ankle, LeBron had a not-so-great LeBron outing, shooting below average from behind the arc on 1-for-8 (12%) shooting from three.
“We came in here playing Laker basketball for sure,” said LeBron on the teams performance. “We completed. We defended at a high level. We understand we can have a really good trip if we close out the right way in detriot on Sunday.”
LeBron finished with 23 points on 9-for-22 shooting from the field, notching 6 assists, 4 rebounds, and 2 blocks in 43 minutes.
Austin Reaves gave the Lakers the performance they needed from the sophomore pro, showing veteran moments with a three to help them get the game to overtime. Reaves drew a foul from three with the Lakers down three, knocking down his first two before missing the final free throw.
“You always have to make that [free throw], especially under those circumstances. But it sucks to miss. I’m sure my mom will be frustrated at me for missing a free throw.” said Reaves on his final missed free throw.
Austin Reaves finished with a season-high 25 points on 60% (9-for-15) shooting overall from the floor, knocking down four out of six shots from three and adding 5 assists and 2 rebounds in 40 minutes off the bench.
The Lakers will finish their final game of a six-game road trip this Sunday against the 7–21 Detroit Pistons at 4:00 PM on Spectrum SportsNet.
