LeBron James’ 0-point-4th-Qtr performance in Lakers loss has fans fuming: “Unc ain’t got it no more”

LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers had a double-digit lead entering the fourth quarter in Game 4 against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

LeBron James’ 0-point-4th-Qtr performance in Lakers loss has fans fuming: “Unc ain’t got it no more”

LeBron James scored zero points in the fourth quarter

The Los Angeles Lakers had to win game 4 of their first-round playoff series to return home level with the Minnesota Timberwolves. LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and their teammates had to play better than they did in Game 3.

Thankfully, Doncic had recovered completely from the sickness he struggled with in Game 3. He was aggressive from the start and led the Lakers’ scoring assault. The Wolves did not have an answer for him, as the Slovenian helped his team take a crucial double-digit lead heading into the fourth quarter.

Head coach JJ Redick believed this was a good sign and asked his top three players, Doncic, James, and Austin Reaves, to dominate the rest of the game. Doncic and Reaves did their part, but their 40-year-old had a forgettable fourth quarter.

He committed a turnover, a game-losing foul, and several other mistakes on defense. But what caught everyone’s attention was that he went scoreless despite playing the entire twelve minutes of the fourth quarter.

That was not expected from someone who many consider as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, and is still playing at a high level. Had he scored four points, the Los Angeles Lakers could have taken the flight back home with the series level.

It should also be noted that LeBron James scored all twenty-seven of his points tonight within the first three quarters. Had he kept up that scoring pace, he could have ended the night with at least 33-34 points, enough to cement victory.

Basketball fans livid at LeBron James’ fourth quarter performance

Basketball fans watching these playoffs have been excited by the matchups on display. Everyone knew that the Minnesota Timberwolves would give it their all to ensure they finish this series early. Fans also expected the same from the Los Angeles Lakers, considering their top players need rest.

Now with the series standing at 1-3, the Lakers are facing a first-round exit. Fans believe LeBron James could have scored a couple of baskets to avoid this scenario. For someone that great to have such a bad fourth quarter was inexplicable. Fans took shots at the 40-year-old to vent their frustrations. Check out examples of those comments below.

LeBron James would rue what he was unable to do today. This loss could define their season. It will also be the worst way to head into the offseason, knowing fans would blame him for the Lakers ending their season early. Now he might have to revert to the 2016 version of himself if they are to stay in the playoffs.

Lakers face improbable task to avoid first-round exit

LeBron James might bounce back from this and dominate game five back home. But that will not be enough for the Los Angeles Lakers. To avoid exiting the first round, they have to win all the games in this series.

That is reminiscent of the time when James led his Cleveland Cavaliers to the 2016 NBA title. But that is nine years ago, and the superstar is now in his 40s. To expect elite performances in one game is fine. But it might be too much to expect him to dominate all three remaining games with that much mileage on his body.

Even if he does, the fatigue that he will endure will make it difficult for him to sustain his performances in round two. The alternative option is if JJ Redick can coax the other Lakers players to help. Luka Doncic has been doing all he can.

But Austin Reaves has been silent, especially compared to the elite performances he showcased in the final month and a half of the regular season. The bench has also not played to their usual standard. These factors have to change, else the Lakers can avoid paying last-minute price surges for tickets to Cancun.

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