*Some NSFW language*
Oh, hi guys! You're still here checking on the status of the LakeShow. Well, let's just say that after a shitty start to March, arguably the most important month for playoff-aspiring teams, the Lakers' playoff hopes are dead. If you've been living under a rock these last few days, Lonzo Ball is shut down for the season. Brandon Ingram (best wishes to him), shut down as well. LeBron James? Held to a minutes restriction and will sit out on back-to-back nights. And why even bother? This roster is so shorthanded that it's filled with nothing more but players who barely get any playing and G-Leaguers.
In this week, LeBron returns out to the East one last time. The Lakers embark on their 5-game road trip to the East Coast that will culminate on Tuesday against the Bucks. No more dramatic intros, let's jump right into this week's Lakers' Weekly Roundup.
03/12: @ Chicago 123-107 [W] (31-36)
HIGHLIGHTS
Congratulations Lakers, you've finally won a game in March. But, not like it matters anyway. This is a Bulls team that's not even good and is still in rebuild mode. I'll give the Lakers credit. Chicago had an 18 point lead in the first quarter. Then the Lakers stormed right back en route to a victory. This is all powered by big games from LeBron, Kuzma, and surprisingly, KCP. LeBron lead the team with 36 points. This game was literally LeBron in "showoff mode" as he wowed the United Center crowd with some exhibition-esque dunks off the break.
03/14: @ Toronto 98-111 [L] (31-37)
HIGHLIGHTS
Following the victory against Chicago, that's the Lakers' last freebie W as they go up against The North, one of the top two teams of the East. The Raptors have freed themselves from LeBronto earlier this season. Now, the Raptors' next task is to liberate the actual city of Toronto from remnants of LeBron during the last few years. Despite LeBron's 29 points, the Raptors' depth proved to be too much for the wounded Lakers. At least Alex Caruso had a great game off the bench with 16 points.
03/15: @ Detroit 97-111 [L] (31-38)
HIGHLIGHTS
LeBron this, LeBron that. I am ESPN at this point, but we get a break here on back-to-back nights. LeBron is held out to once again, "Load Management." But that doesn't stop LeBron from hogging the spotlight as he's shown laughing on the bench and wiping himself with a handkerchief. To be honest, I wasn't sure what he's laughing at. Maybe it's the sad realization that he'll be missing the playoffs for the first time since 2005. Trust me, I'd be laughing too if I saw Mike Muscala starting or having a lineup of Andre Ingram, Isaac Bonga, Alex Caruso, Mo Wagner, and Johnathan Williams on the floor this game. It's like I'm watching the South Bay Lakers. Not to poke further fun, Caruso had a good game again off the bench and Andre Ingram has won the hearts of Lakers fans with his inspiring two-game performance last season. But, the final result was expected as Detroit is literally fighting for their playoff lives in the East.
03/17: @ New York 123-124 [L] (31-39)
HIGHLIGHTS
Ah yes, the game that will forever etched Mario Hezonja's name into Knicks lore. The Knicks have their own rendition of "The Block" as Hezonja came up with a key block on LeBron James in the final seconds of the game. After that, I'm probably convinced that Father Time is catching up to 'Bron. LeBron put up 33 points this game, true. But, 0-6 from 3-point land! I've been saying this all this time, his field goal stats are inflated because he attacks and plays bully ball inside. You force him to make an outside shot, he'll tend to struggle. To be swept by the East's punching bag, there's no greater shame to summarize the Lakers' 2nd half meltdown of the season.
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