The Los Angeles Lakers lost to the Boston Celtics 130-108 on Friday. The nationally-televised game marked both LeBron James' long-awaited return to action and the Lakers' worst defensive performance of the season.
Afterward, Anthony Davis was rightfully critical of his team, citing, among other things, their lack of consistent effort, energy, and communication. He also cited an issue that has plagued the Lakers all season long: their competency out of the locker room.
“We just gotta find a way to score in the 3rd quarter. That’s been our Kryptonite all season,” Davis said.
Los Angeles (8-9) entered TD Garden with a -80 point differential in third quarters this season. They were outscored 33-21 in 3Q on Friday.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6jjkFoPgsWSa93BywQzORJ?si=21e0fad3c9594ee6
I wrote about this topic a few weeks back. For the most part, the problem hasn't dissipated. The Lakers were outscored by 28 points in their blowout loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves one week ago — the franchise's second-most disastrous quarter since the 1996-97 season. In Monday's waxing at Staples Center, courtesy of the Chicago Bulls, the Lakers were bested 37-25 in the third.
Unfortunately, the third wasn't the only less-than-ideal period for the Lakers against the Celtics. Following a promising first quarter in which LeBron James' return seemed to energize the group on both ends (particularly Anthony Davis), the Lakers were outscored 100-70 over the final three frames and looked like an entirely different ballclub.
The third quarter may be the Lakers' Kryptonite, but it's far from their only problem — with or without LeBron.
Follow Us
Subscribe