Lakers' chance for first win with LeBron James slips away in overtime as they fall to 0-3

Martin Rogers | USA TODAY

LOS ANGELES — LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers suffered a heartbreaking overtime defeat to the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night, despite James having produced a spectacular late 3-pointer to take the game into the extra period.

With just 2.4 seconds remaining in regulation against the Spurs at the Staples Center, James let fly from downtown and found his aim to be true, tying the game at 128.

Los Angeles, without suspended duo Brandon Ingram and Rajon Rondo, then found fresh energy in overtime and looked set to claim their first victory of the season. Instead, a final flurry from the Spurs clinched a 143-142 win that sent the Lakers to 0-3.

James ended with 32 points and 14 assists in a performance that electrified the L.A. crowd, but was off target in the dying seconds of overtime as he unleashed a shot that would have secured an emotional victory.

Kyle Kuzma top scoring for the Lakers with 37 points, while Lonzo Ball, starting in place of Rondo, chimed in with 14 including a clutch 3 in overtime. LaMarcus Aldridge had 37 for the Spurs but it was ultimately Patty Mills who was the hero for the visitors, hitting a jump shot to reclaim the lead with 6.8 seconds left – just after James missed a pair of free throws.

"I missed two free throws, which is unacceptable," James said. "Then they made a shot and I missed a shot."

Thanks to this bucket from Patty Mills, the @spurs defeat the @Lakers on the road in OT!



FINAL in LA: 143-142 pic.twitter.com/hvR9FQ3nVt — NBA (@NBA) October 23, 2018

It had shaped up as another frustrating night for the Lakers, after the Spurs stormed into an early 24-7 lead and kept their noses in front at every interval. The Spurs also led handily down the stretch, before James’ long-range effort capped an unanswered eight-point surge in little over a minute to close out regulation.

Down by 3 late in the 4th... LeBron James answers the call!! #LakeShow pic.twitter.com/IBFPIQrgBD — NBA (@NBA) October 23, 2018

With 55 seconds in overtime and leading by six it looked like L.A. had done enough, but some late nerves, and James’ wobble from the stripe, cost them dearly.

LeBron’s Lakers – it’s not yet Showtime, but it has been a fun ride so far.