LeBron James faced reporters Tuesday, a microphone in his hand, another loss on his résumé and a list of reasons to remain optimistic about the Lakers’ season on his brain. Tuesday’s defeat to the Mavericks wasn’t L.A.’s worst loss of the season, but it was a loss, one that pushed the Lakers closer to mid-April exit.
“Until you stomp me out, cut my head off, bury me 12 feet under, then I’ve got a chance,” James said. “That’s my confidence.”
Officially L.A. has 21 games left, but let’s face it: It’s a wrap. The loss to Dallas dropped the Lakers to 27–34 on the season. They have lost 15 of their last 21 games. They finished a four-game home stand at 1–3. Anthony Davis, out with a foot injury, isn’t close to returning, and the Lakers weren’t particularly good when he played. The most fight they showed in a 28-point loss to the Pelicans on Sunday was with the home fans.
