Lakers Collapse Down the Stretch vs. Nuggets

*Stats courtesy of NBA.com and Yahoo Sports*

Brandon Ingram lead all Lakers in scoring with 20 points, but the Lakers went into full meltdown mode in the 4th quarter, falling to the Nuggets 100-115. Brook Lopez had a bounce back game with 15 points after being held scoreless in the last few games. Julius Randle lead the 2nd unit in scoring with 15 points and Jordan Clarkson added 12 points. Kyle Kuzma returned after missing the Warriors game and notched 13 points and 10 rebounds in his return.

Final Score: @ Denver 100-115 [L]

Full article: http://www.nba.com/games/20171202/LALDEN#/recap

Highlights: *courtesy of Ximo Pierto*

Add two more things that are certain in life: the Lakers blowing opportunities in close out situations and notching a road win besides Phoenix. If you look at the last three games, the one thing they have in common is that the Lakers were riding a lead, but they couldn't close it out. This game last night  turned out to be a nightmarish collapse down the stretch. So many silly turnovers were committed in that 4th quarter. Most of them were unforced errors or the Lakers trying to make the home run play. Lonzo Ball put too much air on a full court pass out of Brandon Ingram's reach. Julius Randle puts the ball over Ingram's hands in a lob attempt. A pass slips out Kuzma's (or Clarkson's) hands. Offensive fouls. Too many steps. The loss was more of the Lakers shooting themselves in the foot once again rather than Jamal Murray going off for 28 points or Will Barton coming alive in the 4th quarter despite a poor start shooting the ball. The Lakers are a young team no question and the mistakes will be made. But, Luke Walton's gotta put a point of emphasis on this team about closing out and a rehash of basic basketball fundamentals. The worse part is that the Nuggets were missing Nikola Jokic, Wilson Chandler, and Paul Millsap this game. Think about it, Lakers couldn't capitalize on Blake Griffin leaving the game on Monday against the Clippers. They couldn't capitalize on Steph Curry's shooting woes on Wednesday against the Warriors. And last night, they couldn't capitalize on a short-handed Nuggets roster. This team has to learn how to close out. Period. Some positives of the game though: Kuzma notched a double-double in his return. The Lakers dominated the Nuggets in offensive rebounding and 2nd chance opportunities. Josh Hart, 9 points on three 3-pointers, those threes helped build a lead the Lakers fumbled away down the stretch. But, turnovers and failing to protect leads, this young Lakers team has to start learning or this formula's gonna continue, which will lead to more gut-wrenching losses like this and the last two games against the Clippers and the Warriors.

*Lakers-Rockets Quick Fact Check and Commentary Will Be Available Tomorrow Night*