The Miami Heat inflicted a heavy beatdown on Wednesday night as they etched their names into the LA Lakers’ heaviest defeats in franchise history.
Miami Heat Inflict 41-Point Blowout on Lakers
The LA Lakers suffered one of their heaviest defeats in franchise history on Wednesday night after being put to the sword by the Heat.
It was their sixth loss across their previous eight, and marked the third time in four games failing to post 100 points.
LeBron James managed to put an end to a dismal run of 19 consecutive misses from beyond the arc, and was back amongst the points scoring after putting up a solid 29.
However, he was the only Lakers players to hit the 20 mark or above as his supporting cast struggled for points once again.
The Lakers’ defensive instability has been well-documented this season – ranking all the way down in 27th for defensive ratings in the NBA – and have largely been buoyed by a dynamic offensive roster.
The Lakers’ recent form has certainly not been helped by a spate of injuries – namely Austin Reaves, Jaxson Hayes, Christian Wood and Jarred Vanderbilt.
However, with LeBron James misfiring in recent games and no one prepared to take up the mantle of their chief points scorer, the Lakers look to be in serious trouble of slipping out of playoff contention.
Top 10 LA Lakers Heaviest Defeats in the NBA
It was a resplendent evening for the Heat, who themselves set a new franchise record for three-pointers, connecting with a staggering 24 throughout the game.
Lakers coach JJ Redick was far from impressed in his post-game interview, saying: “I’m embarrassed. We’re all embarrassed. It’s not a game where we had the right fight, the right professionalism … There has to be some ownership … I own this but there’s going to have to be some ownership on the court.”
The 134-93 loss was actually one of the heaviest defeats in Lakers history since the NBA/ABA merger – see where it ranks on their all-time list below.
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JAN. 22, 2017 vs DAL – 73-122
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MAR. 6, 2014 vs LAC – 94-142
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MAR. 28, 2016 vs UTA – 75-123
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JAN. 9, 1995 vs POR – 83-129
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NOV. 27, 2023 vs PHI – 94-138
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NOV. 23, 2016 vs GSW – 106-149
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APR. 22, 1990 vs POR – 88-130
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DEC 4, 2024 VS MIA – 93-134
