LOS ANGELES — LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers suffered a heartbreaking overtime defeat to the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night, despite James having produced a spectacular late 3-pointer to take the game into the extra period.
With just 2.4 seconds remaining in regulation against the Spurs at the Staples Center, James let fly from downtown and found his aim to be true, tying the game at 128.
Los Angeles, without suspended duo Brandon Ingram and Rajon Rondo, then found fresh energy in overtime and looked set to claim their first victory of the season. Instead, a final flurry from the Spurs clinched a 143-142 win that sent the Lakers to 0-3.
James ended with 32 points and 14 assists in a performance that electrified the L.A. crowd, but was off target in the dying seconds of overtime as he unleashed a shot that would have secured an emotional victory.
Kyle Kuzma top scoring for the Lakers with 37 points, while Lonzo Ball, starting in place of Rondo, chimed in with 14 including a clutch 3 in overtime. LaMarcus Aldridge had 37 for the Spurs but it was ultimately Patty Mills who was the hero for the visitors, hitting a jump shot to reclaim the lead with 6.8 seconds left – just after James missed a pair of free throws.
"I missed two free throws, which is unacceptable," James said. "Then they made a shot and I missed a shot."
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