The Los Angeles Lakers faced a disappointing loss in their opening playoff game against the Denver Nuggets, despite a promising start led by LeBron James.
The Lakers, ahead by as much as 12 points in the first half, saw their lead dwindle to single digits. James closed the half with a dramatic three-pointer, potentially signaling a shift in momentum.
However, the Nuggets dominated after the break, outscoring the Lakers 32-18 in the third quarter and building a substantial lead they would maintain until the end. The Lakers had opportunities to recover late in the game but failed to capitalize.
Criticism has been directed at James, who had a standout first half but faded in the second. FS1 analyst Skip Bayless was particularly vocal, lambasting James on social media.
He criticized James for shying away from pivotal moments to avoid scrutiny, a behavior he argued neither Kobe Bryant nor Michael Jordan would exhibit, questioning James’ status as the greatest of all time (GOAT).
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Bayless remarked, “How can anybody watch something like that and think this guy was the GOAT? Do you think Kobe [Bryant] would have done that? Do you think [Michael] Jordan would have done that? It was just an embarrassment…It was just so LeBron James.”
James ended the game with 27 points, 8 assists, and 6 rebounds, shooting 10-of-16 from the field, with the majority of his contributions in the first half. He and the Lakers aim to regroup and respond in their next game on Monday.
No doubt Skip will be watching and waiting to pounce.
