Fans go berserk as LA Lakers complete impressive win without LeBron James and Anthony Davis: "That's it I've seen enough, trade Bron and AD for depth"
The LA Lakers, without four starters, held on to beat the OKC Thunder 123-117. Darvin Ham's bench mob, led by Dennis Schroder, Rui Hachimura, and Austin Reaves, battled to give the Lakers a much-needed win.
After the game, fans promptly reacted to the Lakers' victory on the road:
"That's it I've seen enough, trade Bron and AD for depth"
@Lakers That's it I've seen enough, trade Bron and AD for depth https://t.co/7yF7msjX7B
Russell Westbrook, who was traded to the Utah Jazz a few weeks ago, is still getting the heat:
"We lose that game with Westbrook"
@LakeShowYo We lose that game with Westbrook
@Lakers I CANNOT BELIEVE IT. THE LAKERS WON https://t.co/6fOyGJabkO
@LakeShowYo We getting that 6th seed fr https://t.co/605dkJ0BlF
@LakeShowYo Lakers better without AD and Lebron tbh, build around Dennis
@LakeShowYo WE ARE ALIVE AGAIN
Some basketball fans aren't as convinced with the LA Lakers' shaky win:
"Needed 40 ftโs to barely beat the lottery g league Thunder this team is cooked"
@Lakers Needed 40 ftโs to barely beat the lottery g league Thunder this team is cooked๐คฃ๐คฃ๐คฃ
@Lakers As I said, we will be fine. Thereโs no doubt in my mind, that we will miss the playoffs.
@Lakers bailed out by the refs
The LA Lakers came into this game heavily undermanned. They don't have LeBron James, who is sidelined indefinitely due to a right foot injury. D'Angelo Russell has not seen action over the last few games due to a sprained ankle.
Anthony Davis, who was expected to lead Ham's team tonight, was a late scratch. Mo Bamba started in his place.
The OKC Thunder, though, don't have Shai-Gilgeous Alexander, who is averaging 31.0 points and 5.7 assists per game tonight. His absence was severely missed as the Thunder's offense stalled on numerous occasions without him scoring and playmaking.
The LA Lakers started to take control of the game in the fourth period after a seesaw battle in the first three quarters. They led 90-84 entering the final and deciding 12 minutes of the game.
Behind Dennis Schroder, Austin Reaves, and Rui Hachimura, the Lakers built a 13-point lead. Reaves and Schroder had some timely shots in the crucial minutes to hold off the Thunder. Hachimura's defense was needed as well to keep the Lakers from collapsing.
The LA Lakers badly need Anthony Davis and D'Angelo Russell to return
LeBron James' right foot injury has put the LA Lakers' plan to land the sixth seed in the Western Conference in serious jeopardy. Getting that coveted spot was difficult in the first place but has become even more difficult without the four-time NBA MVP.
Darvin Ham's squad barely got the win tonight against the OKC Thunder, who didn't have their best player. LA went to the free-throw line 39 times, hitting 31 of them compared to OKC's 18-24 clip. Despite the huge disparity in that area, the Lakers struggled to put away the Thunder.
In what seems like a must-win game for the Lakers, Anthony Davis has been ruled out for tonightโs game against the Thunder.
My goodness. https://t.co/7bvKpAsohO
Anthony Davis and D'Angelo Russell are expected to return to the team on Friday when they host the Minnesota Timberwolves. Their return will be essential in at least trying to grab a play-in ticket.
Every game after the All-Star break is crucial for the LA Lakers. They need their best players on the floor to have a chance of stringing together wins. The sixth seed may be impossible to get now, but a play-in ticket is very reachable.