FSM Essential Recap: Lakers vs Hawks - Game 42

FSM Essential Recap: Lakers vs. Hawks – Game 42

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Saturday afternoon featured a matchup of two of the hottest teams in the NBA with the Los Angeles Lakers hosting the Atlanta Hawks at Staples Center.

 

Unfortunately, John Collins led the way for the Hawks, and the Lakers saw their four-game winning streak snapped with a 99-94 loss.

Damian Jones was active from the jump as he scored his first basket off a designed lob, then later earned a pair of free throws after a dump-off pass. However, the Lakers allowed Kevin Huerter to get off a pair of threes that put the Hawks up 14-10.

Dennis Schroder was able to snap a five-minute field goal drought with a quick drive to the rim, but Atlanta was able to take advantage of turnovers and defensive breakdowns to maintain their lead. However, Wesley Matthews caught fire from beyond the arc, draining three consecutive threes and the Lakers found themselves only down 28-25. at the end of one quarter.

 

LeBron James turned his ankle after getting rolled up on by Solomon Hill and spent some time on the ground writhing in pain early in the second. James appeared fine as he stayed in the game and drained a 3-pointer, but later went back to the locker room looking visibly upset and was eventually ruled out for the game.

 

Without James on the floor, the rest of the Lakers were forced to step up, and they answered the call as they managed to retake the lead midway through the quarter. Atlanta battled back by winning out on the offensive boards, but Los Angeles managed to hold on to a slim 53-52 lead at the half.

Kyle Kuzma got the nod to start in the second half with James out for the rest of the game but missed his first two attempts. The Lakers were unable to scratch for over six minutes, and things got worse as Schroder also seemed to turn his ankle. He at least managed to play through it, though.

Talen Horton-Tucker was finally able to get L.A. on the board, but the team fell behind by double digits because Atlanta moved the ball for good looks. The bench unit did their best to keep the score reasonable, but the Lakers went into the fourth, trailing 74-65.

The Hawks began to pull away at the top of the fourth as they got what they wanted in the paint and beyond the arc. Harrell drained a few midrange jumpers to keep the Lakers afloat, while a Markieff Morris three brought them within single digits.

Without James, though, the Lakers could not get over the hump and came up short to snap their four-game winning streak.

 

LeBron James Out Indefinitely With High Right Ankle Sprain

 

The Hawks’ Solomon Hill dove for a ball that was on the ground and, in the process, rolled over James’ foot, causing him to fall to the ground in pain. As opposed to the more common sprain seen in basketball, James’ foot actually bent inwards, which was even more of a cause for concern.

James would attempt to play through the injury, staying in after a timeout and hitting a 3-pointer, but he would soon check himself out and did not return to the game. After the contest, Lakers head coach Frank Vogel did not have much of an update on James’ status moving forward.

“He’s got an ankle injury, and that’s all the information I have at this time,” Vogel said.

The Lakers then confirmed the injury diagnosis, although they did not give a timetable for James’ return.

Unfortunately, this is the latest in a string of Lakers injuries to befell the team this season. Anthony Davis is still recovering from his calf and Achilles issues, and starting center Marc Gasol has missed the last few games due to being in the NBA’s health and safety protocols. At least in the case of Gasol, he has been cleared to return and will likely be back in the lineup soon. Additionally, veteran Jared Dudley suffered a torn MCL and is likely out for the season.

With both superstars potentially out for some time, a lot of pressure will turn to the rest of the Lakers and Vogel as well. Just as the team seemed to be hitting their stride, another injury threatens to derail what the team hopes to accomplish this season.

 

The Lakers take on the Phoenix Suns Sunday afternoon with tip-off at Phoenix Arena is scheduled for 7:00 pm. You can catch the game on Spectrum SportsNet and NBA TV.

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-Joe Arrigo – Franchise Sports Media

Follow Joe Arrigo on Twitter @JoeArrigo

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