Lakers fall short to Clippers in high-energy matchup.
The Lakers lost their second season game, falling to the Los Angeles rival Clippers in a high-energy game, losing 103–97 to drop their season record to 0–2.
“Our offense is producing great looks. We just got to step up and knock them down," coach Ham said.
The Lakers' biggest struggle heading into the season was their three-point shooting. In two games, they have played (and looked) like one of the worst NBA shooting teams, shooting 5% worse than last game in tonight's loss, with 20% (9-for-45) shooting overall from three.
“It’s not my mentality” to go out and get shooters. “Our ball club is our ball club,” LeBron said, later adding he’s focused on what the team can do: “Defend our asses off,” and he was glad to see that tonight.
The Lakers' starting lineup vs. the Clippers from 1 to 5 tonight consisted of the following:
Russell Westbrook(PG)
Lonnie Walker IV (SG)
Patrick Beverly (SF)
LeBron James (PF)
Anthony Davis (C)
During the 3rd quarter, Anthony Davis took a hard fall after a sneaky pump fake from Kawhi Leonard, causing Davis to collide with Leonard, causing an awkward fall to the floor.
Davis would stay on the floor with his face down for a few moments before heading back to the free throw line and eventually heading to the locker room, where he would return to finish the game.
After the game, Davis said he’s “pretty sure I’ll be alright,” giving some reassurance about where he’s at mentally with his hard fall.
Davis was the team’s second-leading scorer with 25 points on 9-for-16 (56%) overall and 2-for-4 shooting from three, adding 10 rebounds in his efforts.
"I thought all night we played the right way," said LeBron.
LeBron finished with a double-double of 20 points and 10 rebounds, adding 6 assists, 2 blocks, and a steal in 36 minutes.
In two games this season, LeBron is averaging 25.5 points a game, 12.5 rebounds a game, and 7.0 assists a game.
Lonnie Walker IV was the Lakers' leading scorer with 26 points on 48% (9-for-21) shooting from the floor, adding 3 rebounds and 3 assists in 36 minutes.
“Keep shootin’. "We gotta shoot with confidence,” said Walker IV on the Lakers' struggles from three.
The Lakers' backcourt of Russell Westbrook, Patrick Beverly, and Kendrick Nunn all combined for 1-for-25 shooting, highlighting how little help on offense the Lakers had from their backcourt.
After finishing 0-for-11 from the floor, LeBron said Westbrook needs to "flush it down the toilet and get ready for Sunday.”
The Lakers next game will be at home this Sunday against the Portland Trail Blazers at 12:30 PM on Spectrum SportsNet.
