The day was outlined by the emotional unveiling of Kobe Bryant’s statue, an outline of the Lakers legend sporting his iconic No. 8 jersey along with his taped proper index finger pointing to the sky. Earlier than the ceremony, the Lakers determined to not make a transfer on the NBA commerce deadline as a result of the asking costs had been to not their liking.
It was towards this backdrop that the Lakers went out and performed the defending champion Denver Nuggets on Thursday night time at Crypto.com Enviornment — the identical Nuggets who swept them within the Western Convention finals final season and had overwhelmed them six consecutive instances.
The dropping streak reached seven video games after the Lakers had been unable to maintain up with the Nuggets within the closing moments of a 114-106 defeat.
Lakers ahead Anthony Davis walks off the courtroom after a 114-106 loss to the Denver Nuggets at Crypto.com Enviornment on Thursday.
(Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Occasions)
LeBron James, who had 25 factors, 9 rebounds and 7 assists, stated getting by way of the day “wasn’t exhausting for me personally.”
“I went by way of my common game-day routine and targeted on the job at hand,” he stated. “Knew coming in coming off a 12-day, six-game street journey goes to be tough on us, however you understand, when you get on the ground it’s a must to lock in on an task. That’s all that issues.”
Even with Anthony Davis scoring 32 factors and Austin Reaves producing his fifth double-double of the season with 15 factors and 10 assists, the Lakers couldn’t win after Reaves tied the sport 104-104 on a three-pointer with 2:18 left.
Denver outscored the Lakers 10-2 over the ultimate stretch behind the luxurious play of Jamal Murray (29 factors, 11 assists, seven rebounds), Michael Porter Jr. (27 factors, eight rebounds) and Nikola Jokic (24 factors, 13 rebounds and 9 assists).
To honor Bryant’s legacy, the Lakers received their Black Mamba uniforms, which had been co-designed by Bryant. Even the followers got Bryant’s No. 8 jersey as a present.
However the Lakers needed to flip their consideration to the Nuggets.
TheLakers got here residence from a six-game journey with a 4-2 file, posting spectacular wins in Boston and New York and ending it off with a win at Charlotte on Monday. They anticipated a tricky one towards Denver.
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1. Denver ahead Michael Porter Jr. dunks over Lakers ahead Rui Hachimura. 2. Lakers ahead Rui Hachimura, proper, performs tight protection on Denver ahead Aaron Gordon. 3. Lakers ahead Anthony Davis shoots a jumper over Denver heart Nikola Jokic.
“Clearly they’re the defending champs and the best way issues ended final 12 months, it’s going to be further hype and a focus to this recreation and this matchup,” Lakers coach Darvin Ham stated earlier than the sport. “However I’m taking a look at it extra as a progress report for us, us on a present three-game win streak. Completed the street journey with three high quality wins, so seeing the place we’re at consistently. It’s not playoff time fairly but, however once more we’re attempting to make our technique to be in place. So, simply taking a look at ourselves, in the beginning.”
Earlier within the day, the Lakers checked out methods to enhance their staff by way of trades. However ultimately, they determined to stick with the group they’ve.
“We had tons of of [deals] come our approach,” normal supervisor Rob Pelinka stated. “However the best one simply didn’t current itself and so we’re within the place we’re in.”
D’Angelo Russell was one of many outstanding names that consistently got here up in commerce rumors. However with the best way his play improved, the Lakers determined to maintain him.
Lakers gamers put on shirts honoring Kobe Bryant throughout pregame warmups Thursday. A statue of Kobe Bryant was unveiled exterior Crypto.com Enviornment earlier than the sport.
(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Occasions)
However Russell didn’t play towards the Nuggets due to left knee soreness.
Ham stated he misspoke when he stated after observe Wednesday that Russell had a process.
“Effectively he had — I used the phrase ‘process’ and everyone loses their thoughts or no matter. I feel I meant to say therapy,” Ham stated. “He had slightly upkeep therapy that’s regular, completely regular. It wasn’t a process.”
Max Christie began in Russell’s place and sprained his proper ankle within the second quarter and didn’t not return.
“That is our staff, who we’re going to have,” Davis stated. “Like I stated, till we get guys wholesome, we sort of must get again into our groove. However [this] was a really, very winnable recreation tonight. Down the stretch sort of damage us.”
