It was a night for celebration for both franchises, the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks. On one hand, LeBron James surpassed Kobe Bryant as the player with the most games played on Christmas Day. Whereas, Mavs legend Dirk Nowitzki unveiled his statue outside the American Airlines Center just a few hours prior to tip-off.
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The 2nd contest of the 5-game Christmas Day schedule was a pretty interesting clash. The Lakers took an early 14-point lead in the first period and even grabbed a 54-43 lead entering halftime. Things to a huge turn thanks to Dallas’ 51-point quarter.
1 lead change and a tie later, Jason Kidd’s boys, backed by Luka Doncic’s 32/9/9 near triple-double, won the contest 124-115.
Final from Dallas pic.twitter.com/idbxbYAGvc
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) December 25, 2022
Also Read: LeBron James Proclaims 2016 Christmas Game Against Kevin Durant and the Warriors the Best Ever
Skip Bayless attacks the Lakers for conceding 51 points in a single quarter
The Dallas Mavericks’ 3rd quarter run was the turning point that resulted in their win.
What exactly happened in those 12 minutes?
Thanks to Tim Hardaway Jr. (16 points) & Doncic (13 points), the Texas-based franchise went on to record 51 points. Further, the 2022 conference finalists only allowed the Purple & Gold to score 21 points.
This 51-point quarter performance has tied for their most points in a quarter in franchise history. Doncic’s squad also created a new record, making it the highest number of points scored in a single quarter by a team on Christmas Day.
The Mavericks defeated the Lakers 124-115 thanks in part to a historic 3rd quarter. Their 51 points is tied for their most in a quarter in franchise history and is also the most points in a quarter by any team on Christmas Day all-time. pic.twitter.com/OXyZPyFFNB
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) December 25, 2022
Skip Bayless, who takes immense pleasure in criticizing the King, took it to his Twitter to attack the Lakers for their lackluster defense in the 3rd period.
How embarrassing was it for LeBron’s Lakers that they gave up the most points in any quarter all NBA season in the 3rd quarter at Dallas on Christmas – FIFTY-ONE!
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) December 25, 2022
“Without Anthony Davis, LeBron James and his Lakers are Cheddar & Sour Cream”: Skip Bayless
LeBron James had a pretty solid game to be fair. Playing 34:20 minutes, the 4-time MVP managed to record 38 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists on an efficient 56.5% shooting from the field.
LeBron James tonight:
38 PTS
5 AST
6 REB
13-23 FG
12-12 FT
+2 (Only Lakers with a positive +/-)Doing everything he can. pic.twitter.com/NtOu9ci3Bp
— LakeShowMuse (@lalakersmuse) December 25, 2022
LBJ has been playing pretty well in Year 20. However, he has helped the Lakers grab wins only with the help of a healthy Anthony Davis on the squad.
Skip also slammed the SF-based franchise for their ability to win without The Brow. Comparing LeBron and the Lakers to Cheddar & Sour Cream, the “UNDISPUTED” analyst wrote:
LeBron can still go Flaming Hot … but especially without AD, LeBron and his Lakers are mostly Cheddar & Sour Cream.
LeBron can still go Flaming Hot … but especially without AD, LeBron and his Lakers are mostly Cheddar & Sour Cream.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) December 25, 2022
It’s been 4 games since AD went out with the ankle injury against the Nuggets. In that span, while Bron has averaged 34/5.2/8.2, LAL has only been 1-3. With the former Kentucky Wildcat out for a few more weeks, Darvin Ham’s boys will desperately need to find a way to win games without their star big man.
Also Read: James Worthy, Who Beat Michael Jordan for Most Outstanding Player, Once Declared KAJ His GOAT
