The Lakers couldn’t miss. And then they couldn’t make anything.
Eleven times in a row they got a mismatch they liked and found themselves in spots on the court they wanted, only to see their shots fail.
For the first four minutes, the Lakers’ offense was perfect. For the next eight, it was problematic.
For the first time in a long time since the Lakers traded for Luka Doncic, his magic disappeared, the team’s offensive engine frustrated by a combination of Golden State’s defense, wasted offensive opportunities and whistles that didn’t come.
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The tone had been set, the Lakers playing a big game against Golden State without the necessary rhythm, without the necessary toughness, without the necessary smarts.
The first-quarter famine meant the Lakers had to play from behind, only briefly getting within striking distance of the lead before losing 123-116 on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena.
Things got better in the second half, but the hole was too big and the momentum too fleeting.
It wasn’t for lack of fight — the Lakers have had plenty all season. They got within five points in the final five minutes and within five in the final 60 seconds, but never within a single possession.
A wild scramble after a Golden State turnover could’ve cut it to one possession, but the Lakers turned over the ball.
It was the story all night. Whenever the Lakers briefly flurried, disaster was there to strike.
Brandin Podziemski, who scored 19 points in the first half, stole the briefest sliver of momentum by making a running half-court shot to end the second quarter.
With the Lakers (46-30) putting some positive possessions together at the end of the third, Austin Reaves got caught reaching in on Stephen Curry and sent him to the line for three free throws.
“I thought we still did a good job trying to fight out of those ...
