Fluctuations in the NBA are dramatic, and a good game is often only a day or two away from a bad one.
The Lakers’ offense was in full swing, the ball was flying, and their defense came out strong late in the game to pull off an impressive victory on Saturday night in Cleveland.
Monday night in Philadelphia, just two days after the Lakers looked so connected, they were back to being strangers, glaring at each other in frustration after missed shots, missed drives and failed defensive assignments.
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That led to a one-sided night in which the Lakers watched everything go wrong around them, ultimately losing 138-94.
It was the fifth-largest loss in franchise history. This is also the worst performance of LeBron James’ career.
Coach Darvin Ham was reluctant to end the game, changing his starters with just over eight minutes left in the game, and the game was clearly lost to a team that played with more force, intent, and more. The Sixers with attitude.
The 76ers somehow attempted 18 more three-pointers and 13 more free throws, outplaying the Lakers on all offensive levels.
Earlier in the day, 76ers backup Paul Reed called Anthony Davis a “big loser.” Davis responded, hitting his first three shots, but the Lakers quickly quieted down.
Patrick Beverley, who was traded to the Lakers last season, roared at his former team’s bench and went after the man he was guarding.
Philadelphia stars Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey outplayed the Lakers’ top players. Embiid had 30 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists, and Maxey had 31 points and 8 assists.
James and Davis combined for 35 points.
The 76ers attacked the Lakers from deep, hitting 13 3-pointers in the first half, although they were averaging 11 3-pointers per game on Monday.
First, Maxey softened the Lakers’ three-point shooting percentage, while Beverley shot only 13.6% from three-point range, and he made three-pointers early.
While the Sixers bombed from three, the Lakers’ offense largely just bombed — the team was once again bogged down by missed jumpers and a clunky rhythm.
The Lakers trailed by 25 points in the first half and opened the game with a 20-2 run in the first quarter. At the end of the first half, the Lakers showed some life, and despite being at a disadvantage for most of the game, they were able to narrow the gap to 15 points.
In the third quarter, they once chased the score to 12 points, and then the 76ers attacked again, and the game quickly returned to a blowout state. Philadelphia hit 22 three-pointers, the most the Lakers have hit in a single game this season.
The Lakers play again Wednesday night in Detroit.
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This story originally appeared in the Los Angeles Times.