The Phoenix Suns successfully pushed the Lakers to the edge in Game 5 of the playoff series with their emphatic 115-85 win. The game was destined to be a blowout the minute it started, and the Lakers had reached a point of no return. And Game 6 didn’t look so good either with the Suns having a double-digit lead as the first half neared its end. The result seemed clear, and it was only a matter of time.
When facing an elimination, stats have proved that LeBron James steps up when it counts. But what if the supporting cast fails to back him up?
Then, it becomes near impossible for him to carry all the load on his back. When Lakers fans saw Anthony Davis on the court for Game 6, it gave them a sense of hope and relief. However, that didn’t last very long.
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With around 6 minutes left for the first quarter to end, Davis was seen in incredible pain because of his groin injury. At first, there was doubt whether he would be returning or not. But he was eventually declared out, leaving Leaving LeBron hanging out to dry.
He missed the last game because of it, which the Suns took full advantage of. Dennis Schroder and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope finishing the night with zero contribution to the scoreboard didn’t help their case either.
The Davis-less Lakers have now been kicked off the postseason as the Suns now celebrate their 113-100 victory. Naturally, NBA Twitter was all set to react to the Lakers’ humiliating loss.
Whole league getting ready to roast the Lakers pic.twitter.com/DQCPsnv83E
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 4, 2021
Devin Booker to LeBron after eliminating the Lakers in game six 💀 pic.twitter.com/L0YPGD2YLa
— br_betting (@br_betting) June 4, 2021
Devin Booker rolled up to Staples like the Lakers owed him money … shoulda known he was about to show out
— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) June 4, 2021
BREAKING: The Lakers announce they’re relocating to a new town pic.twitter.com/IlxoTlunh5
— Rob / sad Houston sports fan (@Houst0n4L) June 4, 2021
Dude kuzma is so bad
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) June 4, 2021
I just won seven more cases of Diet Dew from LeShannon Sharpe … who might or might not show up for tomorrow's Undisputed.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) June 4, 2021
Sheesh Book!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥 Fish Grease!
— Draymond Green (@Money23Green) June 4, 2021
That damn Kuzma just don’t get it! Jesus Christ.
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) June 4, 2021
Hey @Dame_Lillard it’s time brother! You have done enough for that organization bro! It’s time for you to take your talents else where! The @Lakers or @celtics would be a great fit for you. Carry on… IMOP
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) June 4, 2021
Need dame to go to the lakers idc need him too idc fuck all this need this (btw nuggets in 5) pic.twitter.com/2mXHvVr1kb
— moneymatt824 burner (@mattmoney824) June 4, 2021
lebron texting dame to come play for him #lakers #LakersVsSuns #lebron pic.twitter.com/zHgB61YWfq
— Martin Njuguna (@LifeofMartini) June 4, 2021
lebron texting dame to come play for him #lakers #LakersVsSuns #lebron pic.twitter.com/zHgB61YWfq
— Martin Njuguna (@LifeofMartini) June 4, 2021
He look good in purp n yellow 💜💛 come on ova @Dame_Lillard #lakers #dame pic.twitter.com/SaJ6r3fkrV
— Mamba24 (@autobots2020) June 4, 2021
If Dame came to the Lakers folks would cry SUPER foul. And I would love it. https://t.co/C0cxQpQTmY
— Britni Danielle (@BritniDWrites) June 4, 2021
READ MORE: ‘Got to Be Legendary’: Phoenix Suns’ Devin Booker Opens up on Inspiration From Kobe Bryant
What went wrong for the Lakers?
Their elimination seemed inevitable from the start. The Phoenix Suns had a double-digit lead in the first quarter itself, which they carried on till the first half.
It was only in the third quarter that they slacked a little. This helped the Lakers cover up the deficit.
However, that was nothing compared to Devin Booker‘s 47 point performance. He was practically unstoppable and even with Chris Paul not back to his best form, the Suns dominated throughout.
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Bron was nowhere near as aggressive as the fans wanted. He had 29 points with Schroder being the secondary scorer at 20. Alex Caruso also left during the game because of a left ankle sprain.
Update on Alex Caruso: he will not return tonight due to a left ankle strain.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) June 4, 2021
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With many men down, the Lakers’ chances already looked bleak. The fans were only waiting for a miracle upset. With that, the Lakers’ second straight title slipped right out of their hands.
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