Lakers vs. Spurs: LeBron Says OT Free Throw Miss 'Unacceptable' In 142-143 Loss

The Los Angeles Lakers’ winless start to the 2018-19 NBA season continued Monday night as they suffered a close overtime defeat to the San Antonio Spurs.

LeBron James’ arrival in the summer was expected to galvanize Luke Walton’s side but they are still in the process of finding their feet after three consecutive losses since the start of the campaign.

The Lakers trailed the Spurs during all the intervals but a late rally led by James and a clutch three-pointer in the final seconds of regular time sent the game into the extra period tied at 128.

It looked like the Lakers had turned the tide of consecutive losses after racing to a 139-134 lead with just over a minute left on the clock. But a late charge from the Spurs which was aided by James missing two free throws saw them wrap up a 142-143 win in overtime.

James, who was the hero in regular time, became the villain during the extra period as he had the chance to win the game when he was fouled with 12.8 seconds remaining. The three-time NBA champion missed both his free throws, which would have made the score 141-144 — but it was not to be as the Spurs scored via Patty Mills from their next play to clinch the game.

Kyle Kuzma was the leading scorer for the Lakers with 37 points but James was not far behind with 32 points and 14 assists. He certainly announced himself to the Staples Center regulars but will be keen to lead them to their first win sooner rather than later.

“We are going to continue to get better. I like the direction we are going in but obviously, we are not getting the wins right now. But it’s such a long process,” James said after the loss on Monday night.

“We had our chances tonight, we were up by six with a minute to go and just could not get a stop. I missed two free throws which is unacceptable and then they made a shot and I missed a shot,” the Lakers star added.

The Spurs, meanwhile, had big games from LaMarcus Aldridge and DeMar DeRozan with the center and the guard posting 37 and 32 points respectively. The latter also contributed with 14 assists and 8 rebounds to ensure the team got their second win of the season.

The Spurs looked in control during regular time up until the final moments of the fourth quarter when the Lakers caught up and took the game into overtime. They then were under more pressure as James’ side took the lead, but Aldridge admits they stayed positive throughout the game.

“Just trying to stay positive knowing that the next play is going to mean a lot to us if we lock down and get some stops and just take the shots…you know anything is possible,” Aldridge said describing the Spurs’ approach after the Lakers had taken the lead in overtime. “So I thought the guys stayed positive for sure.”