CLEVELAND — The Cavaliers on Wednesday night stunned the two-time defending NBA champion Lakers 104-99.
No, LeBron James did not suddenly rejoin the Cavaliers. Yes, it was the same team that just last week ended an NBA-record 26-game losing streak.
For the Lakers, it was their third consecutive loss, and the humiliation came against the league’s worst team, a squad they embarrassed 112-57 in Los Angeles on Jan. 11.
“It’s back to the drawing board,” Lamar Odom said.
The Lakers cut the Cavs’ 10-point lead to two in the final minute, but Anthony Parker and Ramon Sessions made two free throws apiece in the last 17.9 seconds.
“It’s a painful, painful loss,” said Pau Gasol, who had 30 points and 20 rebounds. “It’s very disappointing.”
Kobe Bryant finished with 17 points on 8-of-25 shooting for the Lakers, who committed 19 turnovers.
After his team’s worst loss this season, Lakers coach Phil Jackson didn’t tell his players anything other than what time they’re due to report for practice Monday after All-Star Weekend. “I think they took the break before the game started,” he said.
