USA Today via Reuters
Apr 8, 2021; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) shoots the ball around Los Angeles Lakers guard Dennis Schroder (17) during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Apr 8, 2021; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) shoots the ball around Los Angeles Lakers guard Dennis Schroder (17) during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Lakers had to face yet another loss against their last season’s NBA Finals rivals, in the absence of LeBron James and Anthony Davis. While the Miami Heat’s injury-laden roster had dug a hole for them in the beginning that they’re still struggling to get out of, the Lakers are facing the same issues now.
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Looks like Miami took advantage of the under-manned Lakers and grabbed the 110-104 win. However, the highlight of the match was none other than Jimmy Butler getting furious at Andre Drummond.
Jimmy Butler gives a harsh warning
This was the sixth defeat out of the last ten games for the Lakers, who have slipped down in the Western Conference to the fifth spot. LeBron and Davis’ absence has pulled them back to a 32-20 record.
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Then there is Miami, which hasn’t had an easy campaign either but is trying to not find themselves in the play-in tournament, standing sixth in the Eastern Conference with a 27-25 record.
USA Today via Reuters
Apr 8, 2021; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) fouls Los Angeles Lakers center Andre Drummond (2) during the second half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Nevertheless, the Lakers really tested the Heat’s patience, despite not having Kyle Kuzma and Talen-Horton Tucker in the lineup. In fact, Andre Drummond gave Lakers fans a lot to be excited about. Although his debut against the Milwaukee Bucks didn’t go as expected, he proved why he deserved all the hype surrounding him during the trade talks.
He showed dominance on the defensive end and grabbed 12 rebounds, which is exactly what the Lakers were looking for. But in the midst of performing his best, he seemed to have ticked off his opponent, Jimmy Butler.
Before dropping an effortless mid-range jumper, Drummond switched on to him, after which Butler said, “Don’t do that.” Butler showed his trash-talking and electric personality with this warning.
What went wrong with the Lakers?
While Drummond was grabbing attention, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope also stepped up and ended the night with a team-high 28 points and had a single turnover. The Lakers had 22 turnovers in total, from which the Miami Heat juiced out 33 points.
Dennis Schroder was not in his usual form. Otherwise, the game might have ended differently, or at least, on a closer note. Markieff Morris’ ejection did not help their chances at a victory either.
The Lakers needed this win to gain some momentum before they faced their speculated title, contenders, the Brooklyn Nets. But it seems like they will have to make it through another tough night without their superstars.
