The Los Angeles Lakers suffered their fifth consecutive loss and once again, they were unable to hold onto a fourth quarter lead. Despite having an advantage in the final minutes, the young Lakers team could not make timely plays on either end of the court to seal the victory.
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The Mavericks were able to exploit the Lakers’ lack of experience and behind 31 points from Monta Ellis, they walked off Staples with a 100-93 victory. Los Angeles does not have a designated closer for tight games and with Kobe Bryant out for the season, it is difficult for this team to finish games.
Coach Byron Scott spoke to the media after the loss and talked about his young players trying to play in crunch time, via Lakers Nation reporter Serena Winters:
Byron Scott: “We just don’t have guys that can close games out right now….can’t teach that.”
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) March 9, 2015
There was a lot of talk about Rajon Rondo before the night as the point guard is rumored to be interested in the Lakers this off-season. However, the fan base is split on the possibility of bringing in Rondo as rookie Jordan Clarkson is emerging as a very bright prospect.
In the battle of the point guards, Rondo finished the game with eight points, nine assists and four rebounds while Clarkson ended with 15 points, five assists and six rebounds. With this latest loss, the Lakers stand at 16-46 and have gone 3-7 in their last ten games.
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