That was embarrassing.
Yep. Full team versus the Nets without Kyrie. I knew something like this might happen but it is still disappointing to lose. On the last two shots no less. One to take it into OT and one to win it.
Kyrie being out might be a good thing for the Nets though? He's an incredible talent but seems to be a disruptive and problematic teammate. (Maybe that's just media spin, maybe not. There's too much smoke behind this particular fire to be ignored though.)
As we are closing in on the end of season, this kind of lackadaisical effort isn't shocking though. Lakers are 5.5 games up on the Clippers, with enough distanced from both Bucks/Raptors that they probably feel pretty comfortable about maintaining their playoff position.
Disappointing? Sure... but as long as they stay healthy at this point you shouldn't get too upset.
I've gone from a doubter prior to the season to a believer in the Lakers. The team composition isn't perfect, but is much better than I had expected it would be. Hard to imagine them losing 4 games to the same team.
I'm not nearly as bullish on the Clippers after watching them play a few game lately. I just don't like the way their offense flows, or the chemistry on that team right now. They still have enough superstar power to win, but more and more it looks like Kawhi leaving Toronto was a bad basketball decision.