The Lakers were never in the game against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday. And neither was LeBron James. Down by 30 points at half-time, this trailed by the same margin till the end and finally went down 115-85. They are now down in the series 3-2.
And it was a nightmare for James. It could be a career-first elimination in the first round for the legend.
Worst Ever For Lebron James
And that is unbelievable for someone who has been in the playoffs every year since 2005. He has been in 7 first-round sweeps and has been to the finals 10 times. That includes 8 straight trips. He finished this game with 24 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists, but it all came to nothing. He was in action for 32 minutes.
And LeBron James will have to put this game out of his mind when he fights to save the Lakers’ season. It was the worst deficit of his playoff career and also their worst deficit in the halftime after 1992.
With 30 points, 5 assists, and 7 rebounds, Devin Booker was at his best for the Suns. They are 3-2 ahead in the best of 7 series. Game 6 is on Thursday.
18 of James’ 24 points came from the rear of the arc. His speed and power were missing most of the game. He is recovering from an ankle sprain and was not at his best in the game. Perhaps he needed to get in the game much earlier to make a difference. His shooting prowess had to materialize much earlier for them to win. He looked lost without Davis.
LeBron James has it in him to fight back and win this series even if they do not get back Anthony David soon. He has to win the next two games for the Lakers if he is to retain his enviable record. Everything should be decided in today’s game.