Los Angeles Lakers: 3 Lessons from loss to Washington Wizards

The Los Angeles Lakers got blown out by the Washington Wizards in the second night of their back-to-back. Check out our three lessons from the loss.

The Los Angeles Lakers were riding high going into Sunday’s matchup with the Washington Wizards. The Lakers dismantled the Charlotte Hornets 128-100 in a game that featured LeBron James and Lonzo Ball attain matching triple-doubles. It marked the first time that two Lakers teammates had triple doubles in the same game since the “Captain” Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and the “Boss” Magic Johnson back in 1982.

The Washington Wizards are the symbolic example of a team full of talent but are totally dysfunctional. Outside of the Phoenix Suns (Who coincidentally the Wizards made a trade that was confusing to all…), the Wizards have basically been the laughingstock of the NBA. With a four game losing streak and the Lakers coming in on a hot streak, stands to reason the Lakers would extend that streak to five right?

I mean right?…

The Los Angeles Lakers lost to the Washington Wizards 128-110 in a game that wasn’t even that close. JaVale McGee was held out with flu-like symptoms and that opened the flood gates that was the Lakers interior defense. I have to give McGee a lot of credit. He was reportedly sick in the Charlotte game and was fed IVs just so he could make it through. Get better JaVale.

This game will be known as the foul known around the world…

I’m going to get to this foul and all things surrounding it in a bit. For the record, this is a foul and I actually tried to see if there was a backstory to this. Low and behold I found it.

Before we get into the game, I would like to send a personal shout out to Michael Beasley, who has been dealing with a “family matter” all season long. Now we know what that matter was…

This is another reason why the Los Angeles Lakers are a class organization. For them to allow Beasley to keep his roster spot and give him time to take care of his mother shows real class. It also shows the talent and professionalism Beasley has to stay engaged and play hard when called upon.

It would have been easy for Beasley to drift from the team with all that is going on with his mother, coupled with no consistent minutes. On the other hand, the Lakers could have easily bought him out and gone in another direction. This is a feel good story that even though the Lakers lost, should make everyone realize that sometimes it’s bigger than basketball.

We are all pulling for your mom to feel better Michael…prayers to you and your family!

With that being said…

Here are the lessons!