At the start of the second half at Crypto.com Arena, the seats right across from the benches were conspicuously empty. Instead of catching the game courtside, fans were mingling at a shindig for Netflix’s new comedy “Running Point,” which draws inspiration from Lakers owner Jeanie Buss and made its debut that very evening.
As the third quarter began to unfold, LeBron James showcased his typical flair for the dramatic. He zipped into those vacant seats while trying to thwart Naz Reid, who was lined up for a clear three-pointer. Reid’s attempt went awry, partly due to James’ interference, enabling the Lakers to capitalize on the moment as he extricated himself from a tangle of chairs.
In the game that saw the Lakers clinching a 111-102 triumph, James delivered yet another standout performance. It’s becoming routine for this tenacious Lakers squad, known for its gritty defense and ability to grind out victories even when their offensive mechanics aren’t clicking smoothly.
James wrapped up the night with an impressive stat line: 33 points, 17 rebounds, and six assists. Austin Reaves also chipped in significantly with 23 points. Coming out of the gate, the Lakers (36-21) bolted ahead with a 23-point advantage over the Minnesota Timberwolves, riding a wave of defensive efficacy that’s been the hallmark of their recent performances.
However, Minnesota (32-28) didn’t fold easily. Despite losing Anthony Edwards to ejection midway through the third quarter and suffering from the absence of Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert due to injuries, the Timberwolves upped their physical game. They clawed back to within three points, challenging the Lakers to maintain their lead.
In the thick of the action, Luka Doncic delivered two crucial buckets, including a show-stopping, out-of-bounds three-pointer. This effectively gave the Lakers the breathing room they needed in a nail-biting game that required every ounce of their effort.
The Lakers’ airtight defense proved critical, especially on a night when Doncic struggled to find his rhythm from beyond the arc. Despite his shooting woes, Doncic ended the contest with 21 points, making just one of his nine attempts from three-point range. The Lakers, as a whole, endured a tough stretch, connecting on just five of their 20 field-goal attempts in the fourth quarter. While they went to the line 46 times, only 32 free throws found their mark.
Rui Hachimura added to the Lakers’ woes, leaving the game after a powerful one-handed dunk that saw him exiting with a left-knee strain. With another game on the schedule against the Clippers the very next night, the Lakers are tasked with regrouping quickly.
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This story was originally featured in the Los Angeles Times.
