The shorthanded Lakers collapsed in the third quarter of Tuesday’s game against the Phoenix Suns.
Carmelo Anthony’s ejection start a string of miscues that ballooned a Suns five point lead to become insurmountable.
- Lebron James turned his ankle during a layup on the foot of defender Jae Crowder.
- Russell Westbrook running out of gas in the third quarter, after a good first half.
- Taylor Horton-Tucker and Isaiah Thomas shooting a combined 2-for-24.
With that said, the Lakers are being decimated by COVID-19. Five Lakers were in COVID-19 protocols during the contest. The Lakers missed Avery Bradley, Austin Reaves, Malik Monk, and Kent Bazemore. Head Coach Frank Vogel also missed the game testing positive for COVID-19.
What looked like a team on track after, a three game winning streak now is back to .500. The Lakers defense is still a struggle in the paint even with Dwight Howard. Howard was much need until he tested positive for COVID-19. Anthony Davis and Deandre Jordan struggled as they have all season against the pick and roll within the last three games before Davis’ injury.
The Lakers have their work cut out for them to right the ship with 50 games left to play.
