Los Angeles Lakers: 4 lessons in ugly loss to San Antonio Spurs

Jan 7, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) drives to the basket past San Antonio Spurs guard Lonnie Walker IV (1) during the third quarter at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 7, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) drives to the basket past San Antonio Spurs guard Lonnie Walker IV (1) during the third quarter at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
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Los Angeles Lakers
Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

LeBron James kept the Los Angeles Lakers from losing by 30 points! 

On the surface, it looked LeBron James played very well in this game. It was even noted in the early post-game report. Anthony Davis played well at times, but LeBron kept the game from getting out of hand.

After the slow start, LeBron took over and not only scored the basketball but set up his teammates as well like this pass to Montrezl Harrell.

https://twitter.com/Lakers/status/1347391557977006081

He carried the scoring load in the second and third quarters finishing up with 27 points (8-15 shooting, 4-7 from distance!), 6 rebounds and 12 assists. But the 4 turnovers and 4 missed free throws hurt the Lakers’ cause of getting over the hump.

Plus his defense was not that good (More on that later!). Missed rotations and getting caught watching the ball burned the Lakers time and time again.

Unlike the road games, LeBron James was not the best player on the floor.

Was it Anthony Davis? It was a very frustrating game that seemed to be brewing for quite a while. Let’s take a look at how he did. Read on.