LeBron & Lakers Throttle Struggling Nets
LAKERS 106-NETS 96 James Harden had a triple-double, scoring 33 points with 12 rebounds and 11 assists, but it wasn’t enough as LeBron James led the Lakers with 33-points of…
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 25: James Harden #13 of the Brooklyn Nets reacts during action against the Los Angeles Lakers at Barclays Center on January 25, 2022 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images
(Photo by Michelle Farsi/Getty Images)LAKERS 106-NETS 96
James Harden had a triple-double, scoring 33 points with 12 rebounds and 11 assists, but it wasn't enough as LeBron James led the Lakers with 33-points of his own, in LA's 106-96 victory in Brooklyn. The Nets have now lost two in a row, are at .500 at home (12-12), and maintain only a one-game lead over Philadelphia (28-19) in the Atlantic Division. In fact, Brooklyn is 3-4 since the Durant injury.
"Of course I'm frustrated because we're not healthy, there's a lot of inconsistency for whatever reason," James Harden said after Tuesday night's loss. "Injuries, COVID, whatever you want to call it, so yeah, it is frustrating. I think everyone in this organization is frustrated because we are better than our record is and we should be on the way up. So that's all it is."
Harden has had to carry the load himself lately with Kevin Durant out with a strained MCL in his knee and Kyrie Irving only available for road games since he is not vaccinated agianst COVID-19.
Meanwhile the Nets had no answer for James, who had 33-points of his own on 14-of-21 shooting. Even Russel Westbrook got into the action with 15 points of 7-of-14 shooting for the Lakers.
Anthony Davis made his return to the lineup for LA, scoring only eight points.
