Lakers clinch overtime win, hand Wizards 13th straight loss with 134-131 victory
In a thrilling overtime clash, Anthony Davis led the Lakers with 40 points, sealing their 134-131 victory over the struggling Wizards, who now face a 13-game losing streak. LeBron James contributed 31 points, inching closer to the historic 40,000-point mark in NBA history. Despite a resilient effort from Washington, including impressive performances from Jordan Poole (34 points) and Marvin Bagley III (23 points), the Lakers managed to secure their ninth win in 12 games. Kyle Kuzma, a former Lakers forward, scored 20 points for the Wizards but missed a crucial tying 3-point attempt in overtime. Corey Kispert also added 20 points for Washington.
Throughout the game, the Wizards maintained a competitive edge, leading for most of the first three quarters and rallying from an eight-point deficit in the fourth. Despite their efforts, they faltered in overtime, missing key shots and committing turnovers in the final minutes. Austin Reaves helped the Lakers force overtime with a clutch fadeaway jumper, while Poole’s missed buzzer-beater in regulation denied the Wizards a chance to secure the win.
LeBron James, despite ongoing ankle issues, returned to the court after missing two games, showcasing his resilience and determination. With the milestone of 40,000 points looming, James is poised to achieve this historic feat in the upcoming game against the defending champion Denver Nuggets.
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D’Angelo Russell contributed 22 points for the Lakers, adding to their offensive firepower. Despite injuries impacting both teams, with rookies like Bilal Coulibaly and Avdija missing games for the Wizards, and Cam Reddish sidelined for the Lakers due to an ankle injury, the intensity of the matchup remained high.
Looking ahead, the Wizards face the Clippers in their next game, while the Lakers prepare to host the Denver Nuggets in a highly anticipated matchup.
