Facing LeBron James’ Lakers, the Wizards dive again

For their first match since announcing the injury of Anthony Davis, who will miss several weeks of competition, the Lakers had to fight until the end but they won against the Wizards (119-117).

The night almost turned into a nightmare for the Californians as LeBron James (33 points, 9 assists, 7 rebounds) almost lost the ball in the final action, before recovering the leather to give it to Thomas Bryant (16 points, 10 rebounds ) alone under the circle for the winning basket 7 seconds from the gong.

On the next drive, Kyle Kuzma (22 points, 16 rebounds) failed to finish behind the arc, and Washington suffered another loss, their tenth in a row, by far the worst current streak in League (top of Charlotte’s 8-game losing streak) ! That’s even 13 losses in their last 14 outings…

This is clearly a shame for the Wizards who were able to stay until the end, behind the return to business of Bradley Beal (29 points) who missed the previous six games. But, receiving 8-0 five minutes from the end, the players of the federal capital finally had to give up. A new disappointment.

WHAT YOU SHOULD REMEMBER

— The Lakers in pain. Winners of three of their last four games, the Lakers are slowly climbing the hierarchy in the West, and they are doing it the hard way, without Anthony Davis being injured and in danger of being sidelined for a while. “Injuries are part of the League and unfortunately he had the injuries he sustained,” Darwin Ham breathed. “But now is not the time to cry and feel sorry for ourselves. It’s been a long time since the season started and we just have to keep going, and for him that means staying healthy. »

— Wizards with no depth, and no defense… Behind their first choices, who essentially responded, with Bradley Beal at 29 points, Kyle Kuzma at 22 points and 16 rebounds and even Kristaps Porzingis at 21 points and 11 rebounds, Washington failed to find seconds. Monte Morris (7 points on 3/10 shooting), Corey Kispert (6 points on 2/5 shooting) or Will Barton (5 points on 2/8 shooting) failed to settle the target. Additionally, these Wizards are too soft on defense, leaving the Lakers to 50% shooting success.

TOPS/FLOPS

✅ LeBron James. For the fourth consecutive game, “King James” exceeded 30 (33 points, 9 assists, 7 rebounds), and for the fourth consecutive time, 50% of the shots and more yet. If he still can’t hit behind the arc, he still works his power to speak near the circle and on percussion. A new boss game, with game help for Thomas Bryant.

✅ Thomas Bryant. Very good against Denver in the previous match, 21 points on 9/11 shots, Thomas Bryant shined again, and against his former club in addition. With 16 points and 10 rebounds, he signed a nice double-double, marked by his decisive dunk 7 seconds from the end.

✅⛔ Kyle Kuzma. While some will remember his missed shot in the final seconds, Kyle Kuzma had a solid game before that, with 22 points and 16 rebounds, a season high. He also faced his old club, he rolled up his sleeve to putty, but it wasn’t enough.

⛔ Monte Morris. More in demand this December, he responded globally averaging 14 points and 6 assists. But last night he found it more difficult to maintain his current pace. At just 3/10 on shots, the veteran fullback couldn’t help his team. A cruel lack of a back line.

THE FOLLOWING

LA Lakers (13-16) : moving to Phoenix tonight.

Washington (11-20) : trip to Phoenix on Tuesday.