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‘Swiss Army Knife’: LeBron James Praises Alex Caruso Even As Lakers Lose to the Mighty Sixers

BySourabh Singh

Jan 27, 2021 | 11:50 PM EST

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The Los Angeles Lakers’ undefeated on-road streak finally ended with a last-second loss against the Philadelphia Sixers. They lost 106-107 in a game where they never seemed ahead of their opponents but heeled their tail.

This was not a very painful defeat for the Lakers because they had a lot many positives to take away from the game. On the other hand, the 76ers can thump their chest and roar after this brave win against a loaded team.

LeBron James putting respect on the name of his teammate

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The Akron Hammer had 22 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists in the first half itself. However, he slowed down in the second half and added only 12 points to the tally.

The same was true for Anthony Davis who scored just 9 points in the second half and 23 in total. It was the Lakers’ bench that took control after halftime.

In the post-game conference, LeBron James ensured he praises the effort by the bench. He specifically addressed Alex Caruso’s contribution and expressed, “AC is whatever we need. He’s a Swiss Army knife, to be honest … he can do it all, he just helps our ballclub in so many ways.”

LeBron on Caruso: "AC is whatever we need. He’s a Swiss Army knife, to be honest … he can do it all, he just helps our ballclub in so many ways.”
Vogel has talked about the
"good problem” of having a deep/talented bench. But, imagine Caruso's minutes will >>> when it matters.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) January 28, 2021

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The 26-YO Bald Mamba registered 10 points, 1 board, 2 assists, and a steal (+/- 8) in just 16 minutes of play. In this season, he has averaged under 18 minutes every game and this can potentially see an increase after one such efficient performance.

How the Lakers let the victory slip from their hands

Lakers’ legend Magic Johnson enjoyed the game so much that he announced it won’t surprise him to find these two teams in the NBA Finals.

That was the most exciting NBA game this season! Tobias Harris hit the game winning shot for the Sixers and finished with 24 points. MVP candidate Embiid had 28. I wouldn’t be surprised if these two teams were in the NBA Finals!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 28, 2021

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The match was actually very interesting until the last moment. Guard Dennis Schroder went scoreless in the first half but dominated in the next.

In the clutch moments, the Lakers bounced back from a 86-100 score to take a 106-105 lead after some great shots from Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Caruso, and Schroder.

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However, with just 3 seconds remaining in the game, Sixers’ Tobias Harris converted a pullup jump shot on Seth Curry’s assist and helped the Sixers take the winning lead. Lakers’ Anthony Davis tried a buzzer-beater three but failed to get it in and that’s how the Lakers finally lost an away game.