The Los Angeles Lakers were defeated by the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday at Staples Center. L.A. ended losing by a five-point margin to the 2016 NBA champions 125-120. The Lakers had an 11-point lead at the beginning of the fourth quarter, but couldn't hold on to the lead and clinch the win. The Cleveland team clinched the season series against the L.A. team, as they have a 2-0 lead. The two teams won't be meeting anymore this season.
D'Angelo Russell put up a big game
Los Angeles Lakers point guard D'Angelo Russell had a night to remember against the Clevaland Cavaliers.
The 21-year-old scored a career-high of 40 points on 14-of-22 shooting from the field. Russell, who was promoted to the starting lineup on Sunday, added six assists as well in 40 minutes of action.
Jordan Clarkson, who replaced Russell in the starting five for four straight games entering Sunday, had a good game as well. Lakers coach Luke Walton decided to start both of his promising guards against Cleveland, Russell and Clarkson. Clarkson finished the game with 19 points and dished out six assists in 41 minutes spent on the floor. Meanwhile, rookie Brandon Ingram had a good outting as well, scoring 18 points and grabbing six rebounds.
The streak continues
The Los Angeles Lakers have now lost five games in a row, and concluded last week with four losses and zero wins.
The Lakers have just three wins and 16 losses since the beginning of February, reveals ESPN. On the season, the team has a record of 20 wins and 50 losses.
The Lakers are the last-ranked team in the Pacific Division, and the worst team in the Western Conference. They have the second worst record in the NBA, behind the Brooklyn Nets (13-56).
The L.A. team has a good chance of having a top-3 pick in this year's NBA draft.
What's next for L.A.?
The Los Angeles Lakers are set to meet their city rivals, the Los Angeles Clippers, on Tuesday as hosts at Staples Center. The rivals met twice this season, and the season series is tied at one apiece. It remains to be seen if the Lakers can end their losing streak when they take on the Clippers this week.
