LeBron James Blames Schedule After Lakers’ Tough Loss to Clippers

Los Angeles lost to its crosstown rival just a day after an overtime win over the Jazz in Utah.

The Lakers lost a crucial Wednesday night game to the Clippers on the heels of a grueling overtime win over the Jazz in Salt Lake City on Tuesday. After the game, LeBron James said scheduling played a role in their loss. 

“It’s one of the toughest games we’ve had this year,” James said. “Coming off the road trip and getting back late last night, after an overtime game … this was one of those scheduling conflicts in the season and definitely got the best of us tonight.”

James tallied 30 of his 33 points in the second half of the 125–118 loss that landed the Lakers (41–39) firmly at the No. 7 seed as the Clippers (42–38) ascended to the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference. 

LeBron James: "This is one of those scheduling conflicts in the season. Definitely got the best of it tonight."pic.twitter.com/YWR4NmKfJv

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James and Anthony Davis were questionable until 45 minutes before tip-off against the Clippers, according to ESPN, due to their respective foot injuries. But both ended up playing. It was Davis’s first back-to-back since his December injury when he suffered a bone spur and stress reaction in his right foot. 

“I’ve been better,” Davis said when asked how his foot felt after the game, per ESPN. “But I’ll be fine.”

The Lakers will host the Suns on Friday at 10:30 p.m. ET as the regular season comes to an end.