Friday night was not a good one for the Los Angeles Lakers and especially Anthony Davis.
The Lakers were taking on the Dallas Mavericks in the midst of their chase to make the playoffs.
For a moment, it looked like LA might pull out the win – but then three mistakes by Davis in the closing moments of the game got in the way and cost them it all.
In the end, the Lakers would lose 111-110 to Dallas, thanks to Davis fouling Maxi Kleber on a three-point attempt, Davis then missing a free throw, and finally Kleber making a clutch three-pointer while being guarded by Davis.
AD had a rough time in crunch time last night 😬 pic.twitter.com/WQXssHmNGQ
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) March 18, 2023
The Lakers’ loss sent shockwaves through the NBA fan community immediately.
Some people were joyous to see LA lose like this while other players were heartbroken by the Lakers and Davis’ performance in the last minute.
NBA fan Rainy posted a painfully accurate GIF featuring Kramer from Seinfeld with one statement: “Oh, come on man!”
Giving up 7 points in the last 10 seconds AD ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ pic.twitter.com/vxixOomAd0
— Rainy (@therainvvs) March 18, 2023
The Above The Rim Podcast noted that “these types of mistakes in the middle of a playoff chase are enormous.”
Anthony Davis had a terrible end of the game for the Lakers vs the Mavs
-Fouls on a 3-point attempt
-Missed a FT
-Leaves Maxi Kleber open for the GWThese type of mistakes in the middle of a playoff chase are enormous pic.twitter.com/5roRlQ9J3r
— Above The Rim Podcast (@jusblaze_513) March 18, 2023
Some people were even harsher with their criticism of Davis.
One fan said that this “may be the worst 20-second stretch by a single player in NBA history…”
@MrHonkdizzle this may be the worst 20second stretch by a single player in NBA history…
— DIRTY BIRD (@dirtyyybird) March 18, 2023
Then there were some who used Davis’ weak closing as a way to take a jab at the problems that persist for LA long after the departure of Russell Westbrook.
“Can’t blame Russ for this one huhhhhhh,” said Him Hebow on Twitter.
Can’t blame Russ for this one huhhhhhh
— Him Hebow (@TannyHefner) March 18, 2023
LA’s loss is not solely Davis’ fault but his performance at the end of the game really didn’t help.
He is supposed to be a team leader and he definitely didn’t look like one as the Lakers were defeated on Friday night.
NEXT: The Lakers Will Have To Wait On LeBron James
