USA Today via Reuters
Oct 27, 2021; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) has words with Oklahoma City Thunder forward Darius Bazley (7) after scoring a basket during the second half at Paycom Center. Oklahoma City won 123-115. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 27, 2021; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) has words with Oklahoma City Thunder forward Darius Bazley (7) after scoring a basket during the second half at Paycom Center. Oklahoma City won 123-115. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Lakers suffered one of their worst defeats in recent history tonight. While the margin of the loss may have been just eight points, letting a 26-point lead go to waste was utter embarrassment. Facing the youngest team and also the worst team in the NBA, the title favorites were expected to rout the OKC Thunder. But unfortunately, things didn’t go their way.
Following the loss, franchise legend James Worthy was far from pleased by this embarrassing loss. During his post-game analysis, he said, “You have to finish the job. Regardless of who you are playing. You cannot disrespect the worst team in the league. You put them away and let them know… This might be the worst loss I’ve seen. They cannot perform like that. You can’t be a Laker and play like they did tonight. “
“this might be the worst Lakers loss ive seen.”
“send em back on the Greyhound”
James Worthy goes in on the Lakers to lead the postgame show after their embarrassing meltdown in OKC pic.twitter.com/3X6JUE4ubk
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) October 28, 2021
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He also added about how the Lakers’ lack of a proper mindset, along with their disrespect to their opposition, is what led to the loss. Despite it being early in the season, Worthy couldn’t excuse his former team for the performance.
Complete no-show from the Lakers in the second half
Entering tonight’s game, the Lakers looked like they were back on track. They started the season with two losses and also lost LeBron James to an injury early into the season. But they followed it up with two wins on the trot and should have notched their third win of the season. Without Bron, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook were unable to lead their team to the win.
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USA Today via Reuters
Oct 27, 2021; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) watches the game from the bench during the second quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
But complacency after the first quarter, followed by a no-show in the clutch, led to the eight-point loss. The Lakers were up by 26 points at one stage, but failed to continue that momentum in the second half. They shot 61% from the field and 50% from three in the first half. In the second half, they shot an abysmal 37% from the field and 19% from three.
Down by three in the last 30 seconds, the Lakers had three opportunities to tie the game. But they blew them all, including two air balls, and eventually succumbed to the loss. Fans will hope that the purple and gold can find their bearings soon, as they hope to win their second NBA title in three seasons.
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