Los Angeles Lakers collapse late against New York Knicks

The Los Angeles Lakers were unable to pick up a win over the New York Knicks on St. Patrick’s Day despite a big performance from LeBron James.

After back-to-back losses to the Toronto Raptors and Detroit Pistons on the Los Angeles Lakers’ road trip, the Lakers were unable to get back in win column against the New York Knicks.

In the battle of two tanking teams, the Lakers were not the better team on this day, as they couldn’t avenge a loss from earlier in the season. The Knicks came out really hot to start this game with 41 points in the first quarter, as the Lakers looked like they were sleeping walking through the first 12 minutes.

However, despite the slow start on the East Coast, the Lakers woke up in the second quarter and were able to erase a big lead. Behind a great game from LeBron James, the Lakers looked like they were on their way to a win in MSG. James finished with 33 points, but it wasn’t enough.

With about four minutes left, the Lakers were up 11 on the Knicks. However, the Lakers would only score one point for the rest of the game and the Knicks came all the way back to get a win. On the last play of the game, the Lakers had a chance to get a win on the final possession. Despite having a great game, James was blocked on a drive to the basket by Mario Hezonja to seal the game.

Even though losses at this point in the season are better for the Lakers’ lottery odds, this was an awful loss. Not being able to close out a game against the Knicks with a double-digit lead late in the quarter really shows the lack of focus that this team has.

Late-game execution has been a problem for the Lakers all season, and it certainly showed up in the loss today.

Next up for the Lakers will be the final game of the road trip against the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night. Going against the best team in the Eastern Conference, the losing streak will likely grow for Los Angeles.