The situation of the Los Angeles Lakers around superstar LeBron James in the professional basketball league NBA is becoming more and more threatening.
The Lakers conceded their fifth bankruptcy in a row with a 111:114 against the New Orleans Pelicans. As eleventh in the Western Conference, they are threatened with the end of the play-in tournament for the playoffs.
James scored 38 points on his comeback after missing two games, and Anthony Davis also returned after an injury break and contributed 23 points.
Since the direct competitor San Antonio Spurs also won against the Portland Trail Blazers 130:111, the Texans consolidated tenth place (32 wins, 45 losses) ahead of the Lakers (31 wins, 46 losses).
Franz Wagner also experienced a frustrating evening. After just 20 seconds, the rookie was injured in the 89:102 loss of the Orlando Magic against the Toronto Raptors. During a defensive action, opponent Scottie Barnes fell on his right foot. His brother Moritz Wagner contributed eight points and eight rebounds.
Mavericks are subject to Wizards
Isaiah Hartenstein, on the other hand, scored 153-119 with the Los Angeles Clippers, eighth in the west, against the champion Milwaukee Bucks without superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. Among other things, Hartenstein delivered 14 points and 10 rebounds.
Maximilian Kleber (6 points) and the Dallas Mavericks, who have already qualified for the playoffs, lost 103:135 when they met Kristaps Porzingis again at the Washington Wizards. With Daniel Theis (10 points) as a starter, the Boston Celtics, who also got the playoff ticket in the East, defeated the Indiana Pacers 128:123.
Bottom west Houston Rockets lost 117-122 to the Sacramento Kings without Dennis Schröder, who had a shoulder injury. In the West’s top game, the Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Phoenix Suns 122-114 and extended their streak to seven straight wins.