The Lakers could have won or tied their game against the Heat if Alex Caruso had made a shot off a LeBron James feed on Saturday night.
Advertisement
The Lakers got back to within touching distance of the Heat after surrendering a double-digit first-quarter lead. They had the opportunity to go for a game-winner through Alex Caruso.
The Heat had an inbounds pass from Iguodala to Butler stolen by LeBron James. Alex Caruso took control of the tip, passed it back to James and ran to the corner.
This led to a double-team being thrown LeBron’s way by the Heat, forcing him to get rid of the ball. Caruso got it back and took a step onto the 3-point line before clanking his ill-fated attempt.
This marked the Lakers’ second straight loss without Anthony Davis and Dennis Schroder. AD will not be back until after the All-Star weekend festivities.
LeBron James reveals his thoughts on the attempted game winner by Alex Caruso
The post-game interview involved a whole lot of accountability from the Lakers on show. KCP said he and his teammates needed to support LeBron better, while James himself said they were doing a great job already.
Overall, James was level-headed in his responses even after a tough loss. He’s seen enough of them over the past 18 years:
“They are doing their part. They’re doing their part and more. I think that’s what it all boils down to, and right now is another challenge for me, to be able to adjust. Not having AD for a long period of time is something that we haven’t had over the last year and a half.”
“And now it’s time for me to adjust again and see ways I can be even more effective to help this team win ballgames. Because that is the sport that we’re in. We’re in the winning business, and I’ve always been a winner. So, it’s time to click into that.”
“I think the only bad thing about it is that he shot a long 2,” LeBron said of Caruso’s 22-foot shot that hit the front rim at the buzzer. “I wish he would have shot a 3 and, make or miss, I’ll live with that.”
