Lakers’ Late Rally Falls Short in Loss to Bucks
The Los Angeles Lakers were able to shake off their rusty look in the first half and take the lead with just over six minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.
This push to take the lead back wasn’t enough as they fell short to the Milwaukee Bucks with a final score of 105-101.
Plenty went wrong for Los Angeles, starting with a poor night at the free-throw line, where the Lakers shot just 57 percent (8 for 14). The team also struggled to find offensive help from players beyond LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
Lakers stars combine for 50 points vs Bucks
While being down by nine points entering the fourth, LeBron James decided to take matters into his own hands, putting up 13 points in the final 12 minutes.
James finished just shy of a triple-double with 26 points, nine rebounds, and 10 assists, while adding three steals on the defensive side.
It was a rough game for Luka Doncic, who fouled out late in the fourth quarter for just the third time in his career (first since 2022).
Doncic contributed 24 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists while shooting 32 percent from the field (8-for-25).
The absence of Austin Reaves was frustrating once again as Jake LaRavia was the only other Laker to crack the double-digit mark for the Lakers, putting up 13 points, two rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
Deandre Ayton struggles
Deandre Ayton failed to be a factor for the Lakers for a second game in a row, finishing with four points and five rebounds in 24 minutes.
The 27-year-old has played 24 or fewer minutes in just four of the 31 games he’s played in this season for the Lakers.
Lakers drop to 13-1 in clutch games this season
Los Angeles has the best record in clutch games this season, entering the game with an NBA-best 13-0 record in contests that are within five points or less with five or fewer minutes remaining in the game.
That record is now 13-1 after losing to the Bucks on Friday night.
This was a tough one for the Lakers, as they lost their second straight. This one comes from a Milwaukee Bucks team that is four games below .500 at 17-21.
The Lakers will now drop to 23-12 on the 2025-26 season and are 4-6 over their last 10.
Their next contest will come against the Sacramento Kings on Monday, Jan. 12, to kick off the new week of NBA basketball.
