The Lakers’ defeat to the Nuggets on Monday stands out as particularly frustrating in their series of losses against Denver. Despite dominating the game initially and building a substantial 20-point lead, they ultimately succumbed to a defeat, sealed by a buzzer-beater from Jamal Murray.
This loss marks their tenth consecutive defeat against the Nuggets and puts them at a 2-0 deficit in the series, adding to the frustration. The game felt like a missed opportunity, leaving the Lakers with a sense of disappointment and regret.
Post-game discussions revolved heavily around the officiating, with players expressing strong feelings about several questionable calls. D’Angelo Russell, in particular, highlighted a controversial play involving him that was overturned after a challenge by Denver. LeBron James also criticized the officiating, citing instances where calls went against them, impacting the outcome of the game.
The Lakers’ dissatisfaction with the officiating is understandable given the pivotal moments affected by questionable calls. However, amidst this, it’s hard to overlook the self-inflicted setbacks that contributed to their downfall. Offensive stagnation, defensive lapses, and other internal issues played a significant role in squandering their lead.
While grievances about officiating are valid, it might not sit well with Lakers fans, considering the team’s own shortcomings. Complaints about officiating can detract from addressing the team’s performance issues and may appear as deflecting blame. Nonetheless, emotions were running high after the game, leading to a discussion about the officiating.
Overall, the Lakers find themselves in a tough spot, with their defeat on Monday largely attributed to a combination of internal struggles and contentious officiating, exacerbating their downward spiral.
