ROYAL ABSENCE: Lakers’ Streak Continues to Wolves’ Advantage in King James’ Absence

After the Lakers’ tough loss to the Bulls on Thursday night, a dejected Anthony Davis sat in the visiting locker room in Chicago less than twenty-four hours before tip.

Davis declared that his team would not be taking a vacation and that they would need to figure out how to make changes within.

Despite rolling his ankle for the second time in two weeks, Davis was able to play on Thursday against the Timberwolves, the best club in the Western Conference. Get the most recent NBA scores, statistics, and news from the NBA’s official website. 

NBA: Wolves hold off Lakers as LeBron James sits out | GMA News Online

The Lakers, who had LeBron James sidelined for the second consecutive game due to injury, fell 118-111 despite playing well.Thanks to Davis’ 31 points, the Lakers remained in the game late into the second half, but they were never able to muster enough stops or scores.But it was a positive start, as the Lakers showed some fight and intensity for the first time before losing badly in the fourth. 

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Timberwolves defeat the Lakers for the fourth time in a row without LeBron James – NBC Los AngelesDue to Minnesota’s size and 18 Lakers mistakes, the team was unable to achieve a meaningful road victory despite 20 points from Austin Reaves, 18 from Rui Hachimura, and 17 from D’Angelo Russell.While Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns each scored 21 points and 27 points in the end, Rudy Gobert finished with 13 points, 15 rebounds, and 27 points.Davis stated, “I think there was an effort.” Losing four games in a row is obviously disappointing. It’s challenging. To get back to the winning column is your objective. 

Without LeBron James, Timberwolves hand Lakers 4th straight loss – NBC Los  Angeles

But overall, I think the effort tonight was there. We played like we were trying to win. In our games, we demonstrated a slight increase in confidence and teamwork. Timberwolves Win Despite a Valiant Effort by the Lakers

Lakers Fight Hard, Fall Short to Timberwolves | NBA.com

However, it sucks to lose. Nothing morally triumphs.James missed the second game of the Lakers’ back-to-back. He is still listed as out with a lower-leg injury on the team’s injury report.The Lakers benched Gabe Vincent for the back-to-back after his knee problems on Wednesday were resolved. 

Timberwolves trade Lakers; worry following KAT’s departure in the fourth – Sports Illustrated Sports, News, Analysis, and More about Minnesota Vincent was described by Ham as “one of those things where you just have to be careful” prior to the game. There are going to be restrictions and limitations when attempting to reintegrate someone who has been absent for so long. It was the same with [Jarred Vanderbilt]. Furthermore, the choice to refrain from playing consecutive games was taken beforehand.

The Lakers, who have been shorthanded and worn out by an insane schedule that has forced them to play 11 away games in their last 14 games, have found a level of confidence and enthusiasm that they have mostly only displayed when winning the in-season tournament.We are undoubtedly happy with what we were able to accomplish. Ham said prior to the game, “It’s just something you got to figure out.” With a victory over the Lakers, the Timberwolves return to form in Twin CitiesIt’s recently made. It created the mobile version of a tornado. But in the end, no one will feel sorry for you—especially now that your wealth has increased by $500,000.The Lakers were paid for their triumph in Vegas, of course, but there was a real cost that persisted into the second week of competition.

Timberwolves dump Lakers; concern after KAT exits in 4th - Sports  Illustrated Minnesota Sports, News, Analysis, and More

Russell has also been a part of that slide.In his first three quarters of play against his former team, he scored just four points and remained mainly quiet for the second straight game. Russell was limited to only two points in Chicago on Wednesday.Ham stated prior to the game that his erratic performance in December is due to the typical ups and downs of a year.”You mean it’s just the highs and lows of a season in the NBA? 

There are other matchups and considerations at play, according to Ham. It should go without saying that he will be up against some of the best defenders. All he needs to do is keep making little steps forward. To continue, all you have to do is play. Recap: In the second game of a back-to-back, the Timberwolves defeat the struggling LakersThere are going to be times during an NBA season when you feel a little dry.Russell failed to lead the Lakers to victory in spite of his scorching start in the fourth quarter and his 13 points in the last frame.Russell said, “Obviously, I just need to get better.” 

Timberwolves get back on track with win over Lakers – Twin Cities

Look for ways to get better. There’s no excuse for that. It was good to see several people arrive. Still, it should go without saying that we wanted to prevail. Had to give it a better go. In an effort to save the trip, the Lakers will play the Thunder in Oklahoma City on Saturday.It’s officially NBA season. 

Recap: Shorthanded Lakers Lose To Timberwolves In Second Game Of  Back-To-Back

According to Davis, there will inevitably be ups and downs. After dropping our last four games, we’re currently going through a hard stretch. We are obviously conscious of our collective potential. We just haven’t had the same experience as we experienced after making it to the conference finals last year and getting ousted. 

All we have to do is get back to being winners. “All we have to do is keep fighting and playing hard,” is how simple it is. Play with energy and determination; we consider Saturday’s game to be a must-win.