Lakers singed by Heat in second-half loss.
MIAMI — The Lakers' second-half struggles resurfaced against the Heat, melting down (again) in the third quarter and committing a season-high 26 turnovers, losing to Miami 112–98 to drop their season record to 14–21.
Throughout the season, you can never tell what type of effort the Lakers will give you coming out of halftime, as they showed in Wednesday’s loss, getting outscored 34–26 in the third quarter.
After the game, LeBron was asked multiple questions surrounding the current situation with the Lakers, voicing that he wants to compete in his late years in the NBA.
“I don’t wanna finish my career playing at this level from a team aspect, said LeBron. “I still want to compete for championships. I know what I can bring to any ball club with the right pieces.”
LeBron finished with a game-high 27 points on 10-for-18 (55%) shooting from the floor, notching 9 rebounds and 6 assists in 31 minutes.
A shocking statistic came from some of the Lakers' most consistent players in their rotation, with Austin Reaves and Lonnie Walker Jr. failing to scratch from the floor.
Austin Reaves — 0-for-5
Lonnie Walker — 0-for-4
Reaves and Walker Jr. accounted for six turnovers and zero shots made in a combined 39 minutes of play.
Juan Toscano-Anderson was a bright spot in the Lakers' loss, coming in late in the game and taking advantage of his opportunity by staying ready when he was called upon, which was one of the main reasons the Lakers went on a run late in the fourth quarter.
“It was good to get Juan back tonight. Another body, a lot of length,” said LeBron on Tascano-Anderson's return to the rotation.
Toscano-Anderson finished with 7 rebounds and 3 assists in 13 minutes played in the 4th quarter.
The Lakers will play their fourth game of a five-game road trip this Friday against the 17–18 Atlanta Hawks at 4:30 P.M. on Spectrum SportsNet and NBA TV.
