The Los Angeles Lakers are so close yet so far from the win once again as they lose to the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday night. It would not be the first time the Lakers have thrown the game in the second half. If one sees the past few Lakers’ games, it is one of Hollywood’s characteristics to blow away the win. In the past two years, LA has been clumsier than ever. Even a well-built lead is not safe in the hands of a weak Lakers’ defense. Meanwhile, Russell Westbrook gave everything to the game except the winning dunk in the final moments.
The Lakers are suffering again in the absence of Anthony Davis. LA won five consecutive games in the past few weeks, keeping them alive in the league. Otherwise, the Lakers could have touched the bottom of the Western Conference. The Lakers are not in a good position now, but they at least have a shot at a playoff spot. Statistics suggest that the Lakers could earn the postseason spot with consecutive wins in the league. But the Lakers are struggling even with Westbrook’s triple-doubles. The point guard Russell Westbrook scored a marvelous 20 points with 14 rebounds and 11 assists off the bench.
Russell Westbrook Is Also Breaking Records In The NBA
The Lakers have suffered as a team, but as individuals, they have been on another level. LeBron James’ performances keep everyone on edge, and he is about to break Kareem Abdul Jabbar‘s All time points record. Before Anthony Davis got injured, he broke the record for scoring 40-plus points consecutively. And now the 34-year-old Russell Westbrook is dominating with his fourth triple-double last night against the 76ers. Four triple-doubles are among the most in the NBA coming from the bench. The only player to do it before was Detlef Schrempf, who did three triple-doubles in a season coming off the bench.
Russell Westbrook is easily among the most hated players in the Purple and Gold. Some of it comes as a result of his flop season last year. However, this season the 2017 MVP has been revived by the first-time head coach Darvin Ham. His energetic presence on the court has been crucial for the Lakers, but he still lacks clutch performances. Last night his team was dependent on him. Apart from the triple-double, he needed to finish the game’s final play. Russ had the opportunity to become a Lakers hero with 10 seconds left on the clock. But Westbrook could not, as Joel defended him and blocked his shot.
In the postgame interview, Russell Westbrook tried to convince the reporters that it was foul on him. He also displayed the screenshot of the moment in the press, but it did not matter anymore. However, Embiid denied fouling Westbrook and said he could not finish the dunk. Embiid later said that the point guard was just unlucky. Following the loss, the Lakers still sit in 13th position, waiting to advance in the league.
