The Los Angeles Lakers had to fight with bones and nails to beat the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The visitors led by as many as 15 points late in the third quarter, and it seemed like the Lakers would have to fight for the eighth seed with the winner of the New Orleans Pelicans vs. Oklahoma City Thunder matchup.
Then, LeBron James and Anthony Davis put the team on their shoulders to orchestrate a late-game comeback, but it didn’t come without plenty of drama.
With just seven seconds left on the clock, James drew the defense and kicked the ball out to a wide-open Dennis Schroder, who didn’t miss from beyond the arc.
That would’ve been the end of the story, but Davis inexplicably fouled Mike Conley and sent him to the line for three free throws.
Conley hit all three to force overtime, but the Lakers eventually prevailed with a six-point hard-fought victory.
Following the win, LeBron opened up about that final play that could’ve sealed the win for them in regulation.
He claimed that he’s always played the game that way, so he didn’t mind giving up the game-winning shot to Schroder, who was in a better position to score.
Then, he took a friendly jab at Davis for having a ‘brain-fart’ and messing Schroder’s game-winner up, to which Davis hilariously admitted that he had definitely messed it up.
LeBron: “It’s unfortunate that AD had a brain fart and messed his game-winner up.”
AD: “I messed his game-winner up I apologize. I definitely apologize.” 🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/khlMaLr5Rx
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) April 12, 2023
Of course, fans had plenty to say to this hilarious interaction.
Grizzlies gon take it 4 none…. pic.twitter.com/vRDJf1IGkd
— Drew (@DrewV2323) April 12, 2023
I’m glad the Lakers won, but I did not like how the team played or how unprepared the coaching staff was. There’s no way you can look at this game and not be concerned if you’re a Lakers fan.
— Mamba Forever🐍 (@UniteFor_Change) April 12, 2023
It’s another late but great night – get ready for Charles at 2 am. pic.twitter.com/EbK7nAuZLZ
— Obi Wag Kenobi (@wag_kenobi) April 12, 2023
Everyone in the arena looking at Anthony Davis after Mike Conley made all 3 freethrows. pic.twitter.com/AAOIIirGse
— Afro Deesiac (@MyAfro) April 12, 2023
Shaq looking up the word dismantlization pic.twitter.com/BcQWcsF4Ex
— Facts over Feelings 👨🏽🍳 (@BlackWoj) April 12, 2023
The Lakers need to be more consistent, as they have the potential to knock down all teams in the league, but they can’t dig themselves in a hole like that in the playoffs.
NEXT:
Fans React As California Teams Make NBA History In 2023 Playoffs
