82 points. No, I’m not talking about how many points the Lakers had in this game. It’s how many points the Mavericks scored as a team… in the first half.
The most points the Lakers have given up in a half since the franchise moved to LA ? pic.twitter.com/TvWYaUsYGE
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 30, 2022
With no LeBron or Anthony Davis, it was anyone’s guess how this game went. Led by Luka Dončić, the Dallas Mavericks were cruising against the Lakers all game long. The score doesn’t tell the whole story, as Los Angeles was out-hustled and made no effort on the defensive end as they would lose 128-110.
Dončić had a triple-double, finishing with 34 points, 12 rebounds, and 12 assists. He was one of 7 Dallas players with double-digit points. Former Laker Reggie Bullock has 17 points and hit five of his seven attempts from three-point land.
As for the Lakers, Malik Monk did what he could and led the team with 28 points. Russell Westbrook almost finished with a double-double, finishing with 25 points and eight rebounds.
This loss pushes the Lakers out of the play-in tournament if the playoffs started today.
My Thoughts/Rant
The season continues to get worse for Los Angeles, with LeBron uncertain to be back for Thursday’s game against Utah with his ankle injury. Anthony Davis is trending in the right direction, but Kendrick Nunn will be out the rest of the season. His bone bruise injury has not allowed him to play a single minute this year.
What a waste of money. I could be getting paid to sit on the bench and watch the game too.
Allowing 43 points in the first quarter shows this Lakers team doesn’t care anymore. You can talk about finishing out the season all you want, but this team’s effort and energy level without LeBron is outright ridiculous.
The Lakers roster has to be completely different by next season. Otherwise, this team is going nowhere and LeBron will leave.
At this point, Rob Pelinka should entertain trade offers for Anthony Davis. Sure, he’s trending in the right direction, but it’s only a matter of time before he falls and hurts himself again. Mr. Street Clothes himself is made of glass.
Also, this game did not deserve to be on national television. The Bucks and 76ers were playing, and that matchup featured two MVP candidates in Giannis Antetokunmpo and Joel Embiid.
Heading into next season, the Lakers need their national TV games reduced. There are other teams like Milwaukee or Memphis who deserve to be on primetime instead of this pathetic squad.
By the way, what a comeback by Paul George. First game back, and he does this?
THE @LAClippers HAVE DONE IT AGAIN ?
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) March 30, 2022
Paul George drops 34 PTS in his return from injury to rally his team back from a 25-point deficit ‼️ @Gatorade | #NBAonTNT pic.twitter.com/PSbEJkmidQ
Even the Clippers have more fight in them than the Purple & Gold.
The Lakers will face the Jazz on Thursday, but Lakers fans should have no expectations whatsoever for this team, with or without LeBron.
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