Everyone knew the Los Angeles Lakers were facing a big challenge in the offensively potent Philadelphia 76ers on Monday. But few could’ve seen just how ugly the game would turn out, or how much of a setback it would be.
The Lakers were outplayed and outclassed in almost every facet of the game and ended up falling 138-94. While they got outscored by 45 points beyond the 3-point arc, that wasn’t the extent of the damage that was done.
They got outrebounded by 16 and gave up 15 offensive rebounds, which led to 26 second-chance points for Philly. Even worse, Los Angeles had just 13 free throw attempts, while Joel Embiid’s squad got 26. By himself, Embiid had almost as many foul shot attempts (12) as the entire Lakers team.
While multiple members of the team felt it was simply an off-night for them, they also pointed to things that need to improve.
Anthony Davis
Davis started the game off strong, but he faded after the first quarter. After a dominant performance on Saturday against the Cleveland Cavaliers, he had just 17 points while allowing Embiid to go off for 30 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists.
He said his team was disjointed and was relying on too much individualistic play, especially when the Sixers were building their lead and taking control. He also said the Lakers should “flush” this game and move on to the next one, which will be on Wednesday at the Detroit Pistons.
Anthony Davis breaks down the areas he felt the #Lakers played apart and how they should flush this game mentally. pic.twitter.com/qfqpbmJVm3
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) November 28, 2023
LeBron James
James had a low-key game with 18 points, and as the leader of the team, he had to have been very displeased with what he saw against Philly.
That displeasure was palpable after the game, as he was somewhat sullen when talking to the media. This was the most lopsided loss of James’ career, so it was no wonder he was in such a crestfallen mood.
Even when a reporter asked him about the fact that he became the NBA’s all-time leader in combined regular season and playoff minutes, he said it didn’t mean much to him.
"We got killed on the 3-point line today." LeBron keeps it simple with his reason for the loss tonight. pic.twitter.com/jb7vOFWr7B
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) November 28, 2023
Darvin Ham
Ham, the Lakers’ head coach, felt his team didn’t do a good job of playing through the adversity and frustration it faced on Monday.
He also cited the fourth quarter in which L.A. got outscored 40-14 while having several rookies on the floor, and he made it clear that every minute counts, especially for young players.
“When you’re an NBA player man, there is no such thing in my opinion as garbage minutes.” Darvin Ham speaks on the energy and effort despite being down. pic.twitter.com/34dzFWC7rF
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) November 28, 2023
The Lakers have two more games on this road trip against the Pistons and Oklahoma City Thunder back-to-back on Wednesday and Thursday. While it will be another challenge, it also presents them with an opportunity to end this trip with what would be an excellent 3-1 record.
