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LeBron James and the streaking LA Lakers were trying to build a 10-point lead against the Denver Nuggets in the second quarter of Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals. The four-time MVP received a perfect outlet pass from Rui Hachimura and charged toward the basket with no one around him.
James looked set to attempt a reverse alley-oop slam and extend the Lakers' lead to 42-32. However, the ball slipped loose and went out of bounds. Denver got a breather and Nuggets fans had something to cheer about.
James had six points, four assists and three rebounds at the time.
Fans quickly reacted to James' unforced error:
LeBron James also missed a wide open layup a few minutes before the aforementioned error.
The night would only get a little more bizarre for the four-time MVP. In the last minute of the game with the Denver Nuggets leading 103-99, James missed a close-range shot.
After stealing a pass intended for Nikola Jokic, James drove to the basket against Jamal Murray. From out of nowhere, Aaron Gordon came flying in, which probably forced him to hesitate and miss.
Denver got free throws in their next possession.
The most deflating part of LeBron James' night was not the missed layups. It was arguably the turnover with 8.8 seconds left in the game when he lost the ball to Bruce Brown.
The error sealed the LA Lakers' Game 2 loss and a 0-2 deficit heading into Los Angeles for Games 3 and 4.
LeBron James has a twisted left ankle but vows to play in Game 3
There's a quick turnaround between Games 2 and 3. The LA Lakers will host the Denver Nuggets for the first time in the series on Saturday.
LeBron James, who twisted his left ankle late in the game, declared that he will be available.
Here's what the 19-time All-Star had to say to TNT's Chris Haynes after the game:
“I’ll be ready on Saturday. I just stepped on the foot of AG. Nothing is keeping me from playing.”
Whether James can play or not may not be the question. He can play if he insists but it remains to be seen if he is 100% when Saturday night comes. The four-time champ has struggled with ankle injuries this season. He also sat out for 13 games due to a right foot injury.
The LA Lakers need both "King James" and Anthony Davis to be their usual selves for them to have a chance in Game 3. If the 38-year-old is compromised, the Lakers may struggle against the younger Denver Nuggets on Saturday.
