The Lakers’ hot streak since acquiring Luka Dončić has hit a roadblock. Following a defeat to the Celtics, Los Angeles fell 111-108 to the 12th-ranked Brooklyn Nets. Dončić’s impressive performance, including a clutch 3-pointer late in the game, wasn’t enough for the LeBron James-less Lakers against the Nets. James is sidelined for 1-2 weeks due to a groin injury sustained in the Celtics game.
Despite initially dominating without James, the Lakers lost their lead as the Nets surged ahead before sealing the victory. The Lakers struggled defensively in crucial moments, allowing the Nets to secure a win with decisive plays. Dončić notched a triple-double, but his inefficient shooting hindered the Lakers’ efforts. Austin Reaves also contributed, despite facing shooting woes.
Gabe Vincent and Dalton Knecht stepped up in starting roles, while Alex Len’s limited playing time impacted the Lakers’ rebounding performance. The Nets’ bench players, led by Noah Clowney, made significant contributions to secure the win. The Lakers’ recent losses have dropped them to a 40-23 record, trailing the Nuggets in the Western Conference standings.
Although the Thunder remain dominant in first place, the Lakers and Nuggets are now competing closely for the second spot in the West. Securing home-court advantage in the playoffs is crucial for these teams vying for a strong postseason position.
