On the night when LeBron James crossed the 38,000-point benchmark for his career, it was Russell Westbrook who, unfortunately for the Los Angeles Lakers, put a damper on what would have been a Hollywood-level celebration in Tinseltown. Following a crucial defensive stop on Joel Embiid, Westbrook and the Lakers still had a chance to claim a victory over the Philadelphia 76ers with about 15 seconds left in the clock.

But what ensued was an offensive possession straight out of Lakers fans' nightmares.

After securing the defensive rebound, Russell Westbrook took it upon himself to try and will the Lakers to a win. After seeing his old nemesis Joel Embiid pick him up defensively in semi-transition, Westbrook saw it fit to take on the 7'0 Cameroonian behemoth instead of deferring to LeBron James, who had 35 points on 15-23 shooting on the night.

However, the Lakers guard simply couldn't shake Embiid. With the clock winding down, Westbrook simply put his head down and tried to speed past Embiid, but couldn't. He tried to throw a panic pass towards Troy Brown Jr. towards the corner, but Georges Niang deflected the pass, securing the game for the Sixers.

Article Continues Below

Russell Westbrook had played an all-around solid game, as he even tallied his fourth triple-double off the bench with a sterling 20-point, 14-rebound, and 11-assist effort to complement LeBron James' big night. Even right before this mess of a possession, Westbrook had played incredible defense on Embiid on the post – no small feat. However, his late-game blunder will be all that's remembered from this game.

Following the loss, the Lakers now have a 19-24 record, good for 13th in the Western Conference. With the season past its halfway point, the Lakers could ill afford these kinds of mistakes, especially if LeBron James were to play for something more than the scoring record this season.

More Los Angeles Lakers News
Los Angeles Lakers guard Dalton Knecht (4) shoots against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center.
How Dalton Knecht’s game has expanded going into NBA Summer LeagueDavid Yapkowitz ·
Stephen Curry hits atee shot on the 18th hole during the final round of the American Century Celebrity Championship golf tournament at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course
Warriors great Stephen Curry’s 6-word response to LeBron James golfing videoAlex House ·
Blazers center Deandre Ayton (2) is introduced before the game against the Phoenix Suns at Moda Center with Kendrick Perkins in the background
Kendrick Perkins sends warning to Deandre Ayton after Lakers signingJosue Pavon ·
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) on the court during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena.
Lakers’ LeBron James clarifies Cavs practice facility appearanceZachary Howell ·
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) and Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) leave a court after defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves 94-85 in game two of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena.
NBA rumors: ESPN writer dishes update on Lakers ‘staying flat’ in offseasonRandall Barnes ·
Blazers center Deandre Ayton (2) walks out to the court during introductions before a game against the Sacramento Kings at Moda Center with the Suns logo in the background
Deandre Ayton’s fit on Lakers gets conflicted views from ex-Suns, Blazers staffJosue Pavon ·