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LeBron James, Anthony Davis disappoint fans in loss to SGA, thunder in NBA Cup | News, scores, highlights, stats and rumors
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LeBron James, Anthony Davis disappoint fans in loss to SGA, thunder in NBA Cup | News, scores, highlights, stats and rumors

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 the Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California . NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that by downloading and/or using this photo, user agrees to the terms and conditions 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 in NBA Cup action on Friday night.

While the game was close for four quarters, Gilgeous-Alexander essentially put the nail in the coffin with a three-pointer to put the Thunder ahead 95-91 with just under two minutes remaining.

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

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

The star point guard recorded 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 some time with an apparent injury and didn’t return until the third quarter.

James finished the game with just twelve points left, eight rebounds and six assists in 33 minutes. Davis, meanwhile, had 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 does a lot of unnecessary crap, but I know everyone will say leave him alone. In the 22nd season he turns 40 years old. Nothing new here.

With the win, the Thunder ahead of the Lakers in the West Group BLA will return to action on Sunday against the Utah Jazz in regular season action.