In a high-scoring clash, the Los Angeles Lakers secured a thrilling 150-145 victory over the Indiana Pacers, marking the Lakers’ highest-scoring game in 37 years. Anthony Davis led the charge with an impressive 36 points and 16 rebounds, supported by LeBron James’s 26 points and 10 assists.
Spencer Dinwiddie contributed significantly to the Lakers’ win, scoring 26 points in a standout performance. The Lakers, now on a three-game winning streak, maintained control for most of the game, leading 116-99 going into the fourth quarter.
Despite Indiana’s late surge, with Tyrese Haliburton scoring two crucial 3-pointers, the Lakers managed to hold on, securing the win with ten points in the final minute. Austin Reaves played a pivotal role, scoring six crucial free throws in the closing moments.
Reflecting on the game, LeBron James acknowledged Indiana’s relentless effort, stating, “They’re never going to stop playing no matter how far they get down or how far they’re up, so it’s a good win for us.” However, Anthony Davis expressed disappointment with the Lakers’ defensive performance, stating, “We allowed them to score 145, so… it was terrible defensively.”
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Indiana coach Rick Carlisle voiced frustration over the disparity in free throws, with the Lakers attempting 43 compared to the Pacers’ 16. Despite the loss, Carlisle praised his team’s resilience, highlighting their refusal to concede defeat easily.
Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 36 points, with Myles Turner and TJ McConnell adding 20 and 17 points, respectively. The Pacers, now 2-1 on their road trip, struggled defensively in the second and third quarters, allowing the Lakers to build a substantial lead.
The absence of D’Angelo Russell, out with a non-COVID illness, posed a challenge for the Lakers. However, Dinwiddie stepped up in his absence, helping the team secure a crucial victory.
The game was attended by members of Argentina’s national soccer team ahead of their exhibition match at the Coliseum. The win marks a significant moment for the Lakers, who have struggled to maintain consistency this season, despite their recent improvements.
