NBA
Lakers lose on James return – Next Mavs bust
Could not prevent the Lakers defeat against the Bulls: LeBron James (6). photo
© Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP
Despite LeBron James’ comeback, the Lakers are experiencing a setback in the playoff race, and the Dallas Mavericks are also losing. The Wagner brothers win again with Orlando.
The Los Angeles Lakers suffered a setback in the fight for playoff spots when superstar LeBron James returned after recovering from injury.
The Lakers lost after three wins in the North American basketball league NBA against the Chicago Bulls with 108:118 (55:63)
James came on from the bench for the first time since December 2007 and made a solid comeback with 19 points and eight rebounds. But even the 38-year-old couldn’t prevent the Lakers from being up to 20 points behind in the first half and then always chasing a deficit. National player Dennis Schröder started the game and scored 17 points and five assists.
13 games missed
“When I woke up and got out of bed after yesterday’s workout, I knew I might be able to play today,” James said of his return. “You could see he found his rhythm straight away. He’s a smart, experienced player, one of the all-time greats so it’s not surprising,” said Lakers head coach Darvin Ham. James had missed the previous 13 games with a foot injury, but the Lakers won eight games without their superstar.
With a record of 37 wins and 38 losses, the Lakers are currently in ninth place. The Dallas Mavericks are two places behind – and thus outside the playoff ranks. In a disappointing 104:110 (48:55) against the Charlotte Hornets, the Texans lost for the fourth time in a row.
The Mavericks had to give up after a 7-0 run in the closing stages, and the three-pointer to 104-106 from German international Maxi Kleber (14 points) didn’t change that. Superstar Luka Doncic led Dallas with 40 points, but was called a technical foul in the third quarter. It was Doncic’s 16th this season, which means he will be automatically suspended for the next game.
Wagner brothers keep playoff chance
In the Eastern Conference, the Orlando Magic kept their small playoff chance. The team of brothers Franz and Moritz Wagner defeated the Brooklyn Nets 119:106 (60:51) and clinched their third win in a row. Franz Wagner scored ten of his 19 points in the closing period and helped maintain a double-digit lead. Thanks to ten rebounds, the winger recorded a double-double for the second time this season. His brother Moritz Wagner got twelve points.
Lakers vs Chicago Stats Charlotte vs Dallas Player Profile Luka Doncic Orlando vs Brooklyn Statistics NBA Tables Player Profile Moritz Wagner Player Profile LeBron James Player Profile Dennis Schröder Player Profile Franz Wagner Player Profile Maxi Kleber