On a night that was supposed to be theirs, the Los Angeles Lakers somehow managed to throw it away. After taking a comfortable lead in the last quarter, the purple and gold’s path to victory opened up. However, Damian Lillard and the Portland Trail Blazers climbed their way back up. It all came down to the final plays in the clutch. And Russell Westbrook’s shot of grace let down the entire fanbase once again. Even LeBron James and Anthony Davis felt helpless watching Brodie seemingly throw their chances away.
In the off-season, the Lakers battled their hardest in trying to find a feasible trade for Westbrook. However, with the reluctance in keeping their future secure, the 17-time champions decided to give him yet another chance. The former league MVP looked different in the season opener against the Golden State Warriors. However, the joy was shortlived when Westbrook followed with a 0-11 game.
Now, in his second straight poor performance, he possibly had his worst moment when it mattered the most. And even LeBron James couldn’t help but shake his head as he watched the Portland Trail Blazers demolish his Lakers in the death.
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LeBron James loses it watching Russell Westbrook shoot away a win
As the last five minutes approached, the game looked to be over. The Los Angeles Lakers had their hands raised high. However, Damian Lillard and the Trail Blazers were far from giving up. Roaring their way back, the Lakers were stunned. The clock left them with one final chance to get their first taste of victory this season. With the shot clock at 17 seconds, their fate rested in the last shot. However, it seems Russell Westbrook wanted to be the hero of the night after struggling all game long.
Striding close to the paint, Westbrook rose for a quick jumper for the win. However, it wasn’t meant to be as the ball hit the back of the rim. And the cameras caught LeBron James and Anthony Davis’ disappointment. Westbrook’s miss set the game up for yet another episode of Dame Time as he hit a three to put Portland up by three points and give himself 41 points for the game.
Look at lebron & ADs reaction to Russ Westbrook going full hero mode with all due respect 🤦♂️ pic.twitter.com/kALrAL2qbY
— Mark Jackson’s Burner (@casualtakeking) October 23, 2022
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Despite the game-tying dunk by the King, Portland had the momentum on their hands. Jerami Grant hit the final dagger to paint the night in Trail Blazers’ red. A 31 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists night for James went in vain when Jeremy Grant hit a tough layup to put a dagger in the Lakers’ hearts with just three seconds remaining. James couldn’t tie the game once again as he missed his signature fadeaway as the buzzer rang for the Los Angeles Lakers’ third straight loss of the season.
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Westbrook finished the game with 10 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists while shooting just 4-15 from the field. If Westbrook did hold out the clock, the Lakers might have had a different outcome.
Do you think the Lakers can challenge for the title again if they hang on to Russell Westbrook? Let us know your views in the comments below.