EThe Lakers’ ninth hit this season was against the Timberwolves, who beat them by 24 at the Staples Center (83-107) after one of the worst second halves that Angelenos are remembered for.
After the break, they conceded a 4-29 run that ended up being 12-40 at the end of the quarter. After the break, they were only able to score 34 points. Eight minutes were the locals without putting a basket into play while the flag booed. They made 11 of their 44 shots and lost 13 balls in the final 24 minutes. Horrible.
Karl-Anthony Towns scored 18 of his 29 points during that decisive third quarter in which the Wolves, who had six straight losses and had not won since October 27, put the win back on track. D’Angelo Russell scored 22 points against his former team and Patrick Beverley added 11 points and seven rebounds.
LeBron James, still absent with an abdominal injury, saw the grotesque from the bench. His return is urgent in a team that is seventh in the Western Conference with a record of 7-6. Anthony Davis scored 22 points and grabbed eight rebounds and Russell Westbrook had 20 points, five rebounds, two assists and five losses on his 33rd birthday. The Lakers were not rescued by Carmelo Anthony, a usual guarantee coming off the bench. He stayed at three points with 1/12 in field goals.
