James Worthy Brilliantly Explains Why The Lakers Lost Against The Clippers

James Worthy factored in the Lakers schedule, their energy levels, and being outplayed by the Clippers in their crucial loss.

Credit: Spectrum SportsNet/YouTube

James Worthy brilliantly dissected the Los Angeles Lakers 125-118 loss to the LA Clippers on Wednesday.

"It was an uphill battle from the beginning," Worthy said postgame. "Anytime you have one of these back-to-back games after a long road trip, you really have to have mind over matter, and the Lakers didn't have the mental fortitude to match the Clippers' energy."

"The Lakers didn't really have any energy. I am not making any excuses because all NBA teams have similar schedules, and they have to overcome it, but they looked a little weary, a little tired, and the Clippers played a really good game."

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Worthy was bang-on with his analysis as the Lakers looked jaded from the start. LeBron James was off to a sluggish start and the team finished the first quarter 37-31. The energy dip was apparent in the second when they were outscored 34-21.

The second half saw the Lakers explode, but their "scheduling conflict" as LeBron James put it could be one of the possible reasons behind the loss. The veteran finished with 33 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists, while Anthony Davis chipped in with 17 points, 11 boards, and 3 assists.

But they were outplayed by Kawhi Leonard, who played a whopping 43 minutes for 25 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists. Norman Powell was the star as he dropped 27 points, 2 rebounds, and 4 assists coming off the bench.

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Darvin Ham Attributes Lakers Loss To Fatigue

Los Angeles Lakers head coach Darvin Ham cited fatigue as one of the reasons behind the team's loss. 

Speaking to the media after the defeat, Ham called the situation "real-life circumstances," and added that fatigue from the grueling road trip was a double whammy. Blowing the game now puts LA in a spot of bother as they slide to seventh place with a 41-39 record.

Should the Lakers attempt to finish sixth seed, they will need to win their remaining two games against the Phoenix Suns and the Utah Jazz, respectively, while hoping for the Golden State Warriors to lose one of their two clashes.

The Lakers have a day off in between before taking the court again on Friday. It remains to be seen if they can get their legs under them.

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