Lakers lose sixth straight to Nuggets but learn they can trade LeBron James

The Los Angeles Lakers are mathematically still alive to make it into the NBA Play-in Tournament in about two weeks. What that really means is that the Lake Show has to win all of their five games left in the regular season and pray the San Antonio Spurs and New Orleans Pelicans either lose all of their games or just go out of business entirely.

None of this really matters if the Denver Nuggets won this game anyway but one can hope right?

Umm…right? Anyone believe that?

Well it didn’t help that before the game, LeBron James, who had already missed three of the Lakers’ past five games with knee issues and now a ankle sprain was held out again entering the final week of the regular season.

You the reader is about to read something that this Los Angeles Lakers website actually would not even dare to put on the internet three weeks ago.

If the Los Angeles Lakers make the right moves…the future is not as gloomy as some media outlets make it. This season is done but there are pieces to go forward.

The Lakers competed hard against a Denver Nuggets team battling for the fifth seed in the Western Conference, but fell in the end 129-118. This game was a lot closer than the score indicated. This had nothing to do with LeBron James being out. He wouldn’t have mattered and the dynamics of this team was exposed in this game. More on that later.

The good from the Los Angeles Lakers’ loss: 

Carmelo Anthony won the Inaugural Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Award.

This writer has not hid the bias when it comes to Carmelo Anthony as a NBA player. He should have won the Rookie of the Year Award back in 2003 and his ability to put the ball in the basket will be there for as long as he laces up basketball shoes.

But this award that accepted before the game is probably one of his proudest achievements if you ask him.

Carmelo Anthony was presented with his Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Trophy for pursuing social justice and driving equality. This is nothing new as he has done this throughout his career. Congratulations to Carmelo Anthony from the staff of Lake Show Life for this award. Again, this is bigger than basketball and Melo uses his platform for positive change.

He also finished with 17 points and 2 rebounds. He did some work in the post and it’s a shame that this was not taken more advantage of this season.

Anthony Davis basically showed a microcosm of this season for the Los Angeles Lakers. 

Anthony Davis just drips with pure talent. Kristaps Porzingis is NOT the “Unicorn”, this guy is. He put on a display in the first half just carving up the Nuggets defense with 17 points (7-13 shooting!), 5 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals and 3 blocks. Folks this is the first half.

But his presence especially opened up opportunities for players like Russell Westbrook and Dwight Howard. His underrated talent is that hit ahead pass to Russ to push the pace on the fast break.

However…

AD got hurt again in this game aggravating his foot in the first half. It was so bad he had to take his shoe off. In the second half, he was limping noticeably trying to get up and down the floor. Look, the season is over and the Lakers have no chance so the franchise and AD need to set up a offseason training program to strengthen his body. Until he can stay on the floor, the Lakers will be throwing millions of dollars in the street while the “Street Clothes” jokes continue.

AD really showed heart finishing with 28 points, 9 rebounds, 8 assists, 3 blocks and 2 steals. He’s so talented folks. He’s just got to get healthy. Shut him down and get him on a rehab program ASAP.

Russell Westbrook!

Russ gave the NBA a glimpse into the future of what he’s going to do for the next team that knows how to use him properly and with a competent coach.

Russ had 27 points on 11-15 shooting, led the team in rebounding with 10, had 7 assists and only two turnovers. His best game of the season by far and he played improved defense. Don’t worry Russ, you’re not washed. Frank Vogel is and we all will see in a couple of weeks when one person has a job and the other doesn’t.

But for now, hit those free throws because 5-10 ain’t it.