A matchup of the Lakers and the Bulls could be said to have had the most unbelievable ending, because the pendulum swung both ways in the last minute and ended with Josh Gidden’s ridiculous half-court buzzer-beater that devastated the Lakers. This marked the second straight game for the Lakers where the result boiled down to the last second. On Wednesday, the score went the Lakers’ way against the Pacers, but on Thursday, it was the opposite against the Bulls.
LeBron James Opens Up On Loss Against the Bulls
You didn’t avoid mentioning your part in the outcome when LeBron James took a prompt post-game interview on the harrowing loss.
“We put ourselves in a position to win…Horrible turnover by myself. Bad miscommunication on the play before that. AR still hit a big bucket to try to save us, and you tip your hat if someone hits a game-winner from half-court.”
LeBron James Opens Up On Loss Against the Bulls
That loss will probably hurt the Lakers really hard, as they actually had it in their hands to win the game but then eventually let it slip away.
This was preceded by the memorable series that led to many Chicago supporters’ ill feelings toward the day Giddey slapped in a buzzer-beater or Austin Reaves made what looked like the game-winner.
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Two which brought the game to within a basket with 9.8 seconds remaining in this one were part of Patrick Williams’ corner three, to which the Bulls decided to begin their comeback. All the Lakers had to do was inbound the ball and wait for the inevitable foul from Chicago.
LeBron James let fly with an errant inbounds pass intercepted by Josh Gidden and resulted in giving up Coby White for an easy three-pointer. The Bulls, now with a lead of 116-115, scored six points in six seconds.
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Lakers’ Playoff Hopes in Jeopardy?
The growing list of setbacks, this loss is simply one more added to the ever gloomy season for the Lakers. With how tight the Western Conference standings are, every game is of utmost importance since a missed opportunity like this can really hurt their playoff seeding. Though it may show the leadership of LeBron, the team will need to show accountability and regroup quickly in order to remain in contention.
The mixed reactions that marked the statements made recently by Lakers’ star LeBron James were thus always to be expected. While many saw an admirable sense of accountability in LeBron, many more could not help feeling let down by the inconsistency of the entire team. Some responses on social media ranged from James’s praise to denigration of the entire Lakers franchise.
Moving on from here, the next significant challenge for the Lakers is to face their next game and the reactions that will come with it. Will they bounce back stronger than the previous chance, or are turnovers and struggles in the late game always going to be out to haunt them?
For now, LeBron James is holding himself responsible, but the Lakers need that collective effort to turn it around before it’s too late.
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Lakers under the Pressure
The Lakers have lost four out of five, and eight out of their last twelve games. And now, with their troubled state, they are at the point of maybe being pushed below in the standings.
Pressure is mounting, and the only way it will be alleviated is through wins. Nothing is easy, especially when the Lakers will be facing the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday. The Grizzlies are at 5 position on the Western table, tussling directly with the Lakers.
FAQS:
What has LeBron James said concerning victory over the Bulls?
LeBron James himself took some responsibility for the crucial late-game turnover, saying, “Horrible turnover by myself.” Much later he accepted that the Lakers lost partly because of his mistake.
Key moment: What was a turning point?
The turning point happened when LeBron had a late-game turnover that allowed the Bulls to capitalize and ultimately win the game. The Lakers were unable to recover within the final seconds.
What was the reaction of the fans to LeBron’s statement?
Reactions were mixed. Some fans appreciated LeBron taking accountability, while others expressed frustration over the Lakers’ struggles and inconsistency this season.
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How has LeBron James been playing this season?
LeBron has been playing great basketball despite being in his 21st NBA season. The Lakers, however, have battled with inconsistency, injuries, and late-game execution.