The Los Angeles Lakers faced off against their historic rivals, the Boston Celtics, on Tuesday night.
Many people were expecting a blowout loss for LA because the Celtics are terrific and the Lakers are, well, not.
But the Lakers were able to hang with the Celtics quite well, overcoming a deficit and actually leading Boston in the closing minutes of the game.
However, Boston came back and pushed the match into overtime – and that’s when LA’s problems only got worse.
It's not a good sign when the ref touches the ball more than AD. 😅 pic.twitter.com/QWUUDyJ3H1
— theScore (@theScore) December 14, 2022
During overtime on Tuesday night, Anthony Davis only touched the ball one single time.
That was the least of the Lakers’ problems, who got trounced 12-8 in OT and ended up losing the game 122-118.
Davis’ showing in the extra period was rough and it’s the second time that the Lakers have fallen apart when they need to come together more than ever.
Another Overtime Collapse
The majority of LA’s points in overtime came from Russell Westbrook, who scored 6.
LeBron James put up 2 and that was it for the Lakers.
As bad as Tuesday’s OT was, it was nothing compared to their overtime against the Philadelphia 76ers just a few days before.
During that overtime session, the 76ers scored 13 and the Lakers only put up 2 points, from Patrick Beverley no less.
What is causing so many problems in overtime for the Lakers?
The team is understandably gassed out when they get to that point in the game, they are completely drained.
Perhaps they are focusing so much attention and energy on overcoming deficits during most of the game that they have nothing left when OT rolls around.
No matter what the problem is, it needs to be resolved soon.
NEXT: The Lakers And Knicks Have Discussed A Substantial Trade