LeBron James, Anthony Davis disappoint fans in loss vs. SGA, Thunder in NBA Cup | News, results, highlights, stats and rumours

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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 Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that by downloading and/or using this photograph, User consents 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)

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LeBron James and Anthony Davis failed to impress in a 101-93 loss to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night in NBA Cup action.

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

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

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

The star point guard scored 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 12 points to go along with eight rebounds and six assists in 33 minutes. Davis, meanwhile, scored 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 makes a lot of unnecessary bullshit turnovers, but I know everyone will say leave him alone in the 22nd season, he’s about to be 40 years old. Nothing new here.

Riley Rizzo @easymoneyriley

LeBron James the GOAT can’t make ONE 3?

Jpwnz @itsJpwnz

Lebron James comes out just to turn the ball over. That’s all this man does

Marc @oreomarcflurry

LeBron “the turnover machine” James

JosephB316 @JosephBarb3638

Anthony Davis is now expected to go under 20 points. That’s why the Lakers lost this game because Anthony Davis couldn’t cover points tonight.

Arrancar #5 @SixxFiveCinco

Anthony Davis stinks now, he plays like he wants to be a guard

Ryan Pearson @23RyanP

Why does Anthony Davis stand behind the 3 point line in the DHO every possession instead of running the offense through him on the block

Realm239 @rich239

Anthony Davis is never in a hurry. Just nonchalant the whole game. He really lets Lebron do all the work. I think he really hates playing in the paint.

With the win, the Thunder jump ahead of the Lakers in the West Group BLA and will be back in action on Sunday against the Utah Jazz in the regular season.