Following a disappointing loss to the Denver Nuggets in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals, superstar forward LeBron James is taking most of the heat for the Los Angeles Lakers‘ shortcomings.
Despite only losing by five points when it was all said and done on Thursday night in Denver, it seems most fans and pundits view this as a devastating loss for the Lakers, with James looking like he may have lost a step.
One crucial play that left James a bit exposed was a breakaway setting up a vintage dunk from the four-time NBA champion, but the ball slipped out of his hands on the way up, resulting in a turnover.
Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors believes this missed dunk by James, which was totally uncharacteristic of the superstar forward, was the moment this game went off the rails for the Lakers via Bleacher Report.
Dray thinks Bron’s missed dunk last night changed the whole rhythm of the game 👀
Full episode exclusively in the B/R app (link in bio) @TheVolumeSports pic.twitter.com/LCPK0d2HKh
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 19, 2023
Green isn’t wrong, as the rhythm was off for the Lakers and James ever since that missed dunk attempt, and with the game being decided by five points, that was a costly missed opportunity for Los Angeles.
Now the Lakers are facing a 2-0 hole as the Western Conference Finals shift to Crypto.com Arena for the first time in this series, which will be a must-win game for the purple and gold.
Although the Lakers are far from out of the running to win this series, the pressure will be on in Game 3 to get a win and change the narrative, as a loss on Saturday could prove to be too much to overcome for Darvin Ham’s squad.
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