LeBron James, Anthony Davis disappoint fans in loss to SGA, Thunder in NBA Cup | News, results, highlights, stats and rumours
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LeBron James, Anthony Davis disappoint fans in loss to SGA, Thunder in NBA Cup | News, results, highlights, stats and rumours

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 29: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder during an Emirates NBA Cup game on October 22, 2024 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTICE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User agrees to the terms of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)

Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images

LeBron James and Anthony Davis failed to impress in a 101-93 loss to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night in the NBA Cup.

While the game was close through four quarters, Gilgeous-Alexander basically put the nail in the coffin with a three-pointer to put the Thunder up 95-91 with just under two minutes left in the game.

Friday’s matchup between the Lakers and the Thunder took place in the West Group B of the NBA Cup. The Lakers entered the game tied for first along with three other teams, with a 2-1 record. The Thunder, meanwhile, entered the half trailing at 1-1.

Gilgeous-Alexander carried the Thunder on Friday without Chet Holmgren, who is sidelined with a hip fracture.

The star point guard had 36 points, six rebounds, nine assists, two steals and a block in 37 minutes on the floor. Jalen Williams, OKC’s 2022 first-round pick, was also brilliant, finishing with 19 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals in the win.

James, Davis and the Lakers couldn’t match the play of Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams, though it didn’t help that a key starter — Austin Reaves — missed time with an apparent injury and didn’t return until the third quarter.

James finished the game with just 12 points to go with eight rebounds and six assists in 33 minutes. Davis also scored 15 points, 12 rebounds, seven assists and four blocks in 38 minutes.

Fans criticized James and Davis for a rough first half that continued into the third quarter and beyond:

Big baby jonathan @BigBabyJonathan

LeBron James makes a lot of unnecessary swings but I know everyone will say leave him alone 22nd season he is about to turn 40 years old. Nothing new here.

With the win, the Thunder’s jump ahead of the Lakers in the West Group BLA will be back in action Sunday against the Utah Jazz in the regular season.