USA Today via Reuters
Jan 28, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) goes up for a shot against Detroit Pistons center Mason Plumlee (24) during the first quarter at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 28, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) goes up for a shot against Detroit Pistons center Mason Plumlee (24) during the first quarter at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
It is unlike the defending champions to lose to a team like the Detroit Pistons, who have shown no signs of being alive this season. But it did happen, and whether regardless of whether this was because of Anthony Davis’ absence, the loss is a cause for concern. Despite having LeBron James, who ended up making history with his performance tonight, the Pistons crushed them with a 107-92 victory.
LeBron James makes history again
While the Lakers have moved down to the third position in the West, with the 14-6 record, the Detroit Pistons improved their record to 5-14 in the East. Although Detroit is one of the worst teams in the league right now, the Lakers were no match for Blake Griffin’s incredible performance.
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The Pistons took full advantage of Anthony Davis‘ absence, who sat out because of a quad injury. Even though Davis isn’t in the best form right now, he is still the team’s second-best scorer and essential rim protector. However, LeBron James should have been enough for a team like Detroit along with a star-studded roster that includes Kyle Kuzma, Dennis Schroder, Marc Gasol, Kentavious Caldwell Pope.
James ended the game with 22 points, 7 rebounds, and 10 assists. Also, as per ESPN Stats and Info, he once again made history with his three-pointers this time:
“After making 3 threes tonight, LeBron James is up to 54 threes on the season, the most through the first 20 games of a season in his career and the most by any player through the first 20 games of the season in Lakers history. He passed Nick Van Exel, who made 53 in 1994-95.”
After making 3 threes tonight, LeBron James is up to 54 threes on the season, the most through the first 20 games of a season in his career and the most by any player through the first 20 games of the season in Lakers history.
He passed Nick Van Exel, who made 53 in 1994-95. pic.twitter.com/W4x4aRTzCF
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) January 29, 2021
Trouble ahead for the Lakers?
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After losing to the Philadelphia 76ers in their last outing, this is their second straight loss for the first time this season. Any team can lose, but how can the reigning champions just score 14 points in the last quarter?
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 28, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) gets fouled by Detroit Pistons center Mason Plumlee (24) during the first quarter at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Initially, James was also questionable for this game because of an ankle sprain. Image how much worse the situation could have been without him. The Lakers have got to be better than this when they face the Boston Celtics next.
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Boston has been looking quite sharp with Jayson Tatum back in the lineup. Therefore, this will be another challenge for the Lakers but also a chance to get back their momentum and snap out of their losing streak.
Read also- Did LeBron James Deserve to Be Unanimous MVP in 2013?
