LOS ANGELES, CA – MAY 19: LeBron James #23 and Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers during a break in the action against Golden State Warriors during the second half of an NBA Tournament Play-In game at Staples Center on May 19, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers were left for dead after Dennis Schroder’s missed layup late against the Phoenix Suns in Game 4.
Schroder could’ve made it a six-point game with just under two minutes remaining, but instead hit the back iron in a moment that proved too big for the player driving to the rim. LeBron James, who was also on the break to support his teammate, did not take kindly to the moment.
James’ hung his head in disgust, and as the Suns quickly ran to the other end to extend their lead and put the game away, LeBron knew Game 4 was all but over.
Los Angeles made one heck of a run give Suns fans perhaps a preview of what’s to come in Game 5, but overcoming a three-possession deficit with nearly a minute remaining — which is what the Lakers were facing after Schroder’s missed lay-in — is nearly impossible.
NBA Playoffs: Los Angeles Lakers face tough test come Game 5 against the Phoenix Suns
The Lakers head to Phoenix for Game 5 against the Suns without Anthony Davis, who will reportedly miss a matchup that could tilt the series either way. While the Lakers still possess the best player of his generation in James, without Davis they’re arguably underdogs on the road.