The Los Angeles Lakers are back to the losing end after getting hit in the last game against the Denver Nuggets. LA lost to the Dallas Mavericks 115-119 in the game’s second overtime. The Lakers also welcomed their superstar LeBron James with a loss to the occasion. The 38-year-old was hurt and sidelined because of his foot injury. He even missed the game against the Nuggets due to his sore ankles, which caused the Lakers their broken streak.
Meanwhile, the Lakers lost another, this time in his presence. Although the Lakers lost the game, it was an intense clash against both teams as well as their superstars.
The Lakers And The Mavericks Had An Intense Climax
In the last minute of the game, Russell Westbrook and Luka Doncic clashed with each other. Both teams had equal scores as the timer was about to go out, and the point guard rushed on Luka with his shoulders. Doncic did not like the contact as it was obvious and obnoxious from the eight-time All-star. After the push, Luka came after Russell to display his anger about the push, but the officials and players separated them. The temperature got heated, and it looked like they would have had their way with each other if no one had intervened.
Russell Westbrook trucked luka doncic then gets mad when luka steps to him lmaoo pic.twitter.com/jBF0BhRXt4
— John (@iam_johnw) January 13, 2023
After everything cooled on the court, the referees gave Westbrook a flagrant foul as a result of his push on the former MVP. Despite receiving the chance to close the game, Doncic failed to convert his attempt leading the game to the second overtime. However, the Lakers also let their opportunity to steal the winning slide with two minutes remaining on the clock.
But Dinwiddie stepped up to break the missing trend and delivered a strong dunk to give his team a lead over the Lakers. In the second overtime, LA did not like they wanted to win as they were outscored by 11-7. In the end, Reggie Bullock won the game for the Mavericks with his free throw.
Russell Westbrook Is On Fire, But The Team Is Cold
Although the game was lost in the end, Russell Westbrook displayed his powers again. It was not long before he was criticized for his bad plays last year. However, the 2016 champ has made a pretty good return with his new role in the team. Ever since he adapted to the role, he has averaged 15.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 7.8 assists. But his effectiveness is often in question because of his inconsistent performances. Fans even started counting him as the contender for the sixth man of the year award.
Last night was also his night as he went big on the scoring board, even more than their superstar forward. Russell Westbrook is nothing sort of magic when his electric performances are met with high scores. He put up 28 points, seven rebounds, and five assists in the Purple and Gold. But it looks like that is not enough for the Lakers to secure a win.