The Los Angeles Lakers suffered some added heartbreak with a dramatic loss to the Chicago Bulls on Thursday night. The Lakers at one point in the fourth quarter led by 18 and figured to win easily. They were unable to hold on to that lead and ended up losing 119-117. The dramatic loss unfolded at the Staples Center, leaving the Lakers reeling from a series of missed opportunities and defensive lapses.
In the closing minutes of regulation, the Lakers blew the game wide open. They were up by five points with just 12.1 seconds remaining on the clock. Austin Reaves to the rescue Austin Reaves made two very important free throws. That put the Lakers in front 117-116 with only 3.1 seconds left on the clock. Fate intervened when a tactical timeout called by the Lakers provided the Bulls with the chance to reset and run a game-winning play.
The Bulls took advantage of the Lakers’ porous defense, scoring 44 points in the game’s final period. Their shooting clinic was particularly illuminated by an astounding 11-for-14 from three in the last quarter. LeBron James, who shot just 8-for-20 on his way to 17 points, knew he helped to lead the Cavs to their own demise.
“Give up 44, no matter how many points you put up it’s not good ingredients for success,” – LeBron James
James also tallied 12 assists, 2 steals, and 4 turnovers during the game. He was honest enough to acknowledge that a “horrible turnover” on his part was the biggest reason for their loss. The team is looking forward to their first regular season game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday. James focused on the importance of playing a full game in order to win.
“There’s another game in two days, less than two days, that’s how you do it,” – LeBron James
The Lakers has dealt with that kind of emotional body-blow this season already. They’ve had just as silly losses against teams such as the Atlanta Hawks and Orlando Magic with similar circumstances. Liberty head coach JJ Redick lamented his team’s recent loss.
“I mean, 11-of-14 in an empty gym is really good,” – Reggie Redick
That was because Reaves’ late-game layup had lit the path to victory for the Lakers. Those final seconds ran out, putting them in a difficult predicament.
“We probably had a high-percentage chance of winning after my layup went in,” – Austin Reaves
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