The Los Angeles Lakers couldn’t end 2024 on a winning note, falling 110-122 to the red-hot Cleveland Cavaliers at Crypto.com Arena.
The night was special, marking LeBron James’ first appearance since hitting 40 and welcoming two new faces to the Lakers lineup.
But the Cavaliers had other ideas, riding Jarrett Allen’s season-best 27 points and Donovan Mitchell’s 26 to stretch their winning streak to eight games.
Closing out 2024 with a W.
HIGHLIGHTS & STATS 📊: https://t.co/j7TGHKmJEc@betwayusa | #LetEmKnow
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) January 1, 2025
Cavs fans couldn’t contain their excitement over the team’s year-end triumph. “Garland and Allen were so fun to watch!” one fan exclaimed.
Garland and Allen were so fun to watch!
— Adam23 (@GoFuzzYourself) January 1, 2025
Another confidently declared, “We are inevitable.”
We are inevitable.
— Mattyice35 (@MattRoth697556) January 1, 2025
The contrast between the teams didn’t go unnoticed, with one observer noting, “Lakers talent-wise aren’t behind Cavs. At all. In terms of coaching, execution, and hustle…they are a universe apart. Literally, a universe apart.”
Lakers talent wise aren’t behind Cavs. At all.
In terms of coaching, execution and hustle…they are a universe apart. Literally, a universe apart.
— Letting Go (@ProvideContext) January 1, 2025
Lakers supporters found solace in Austin Reaves’ standout performance despite the loss.
“Austin Reaves, you will be remembered,” praised one fan, acknowledging his effort. Another expressed disbelief: “Austin Reaves 30-piece and we still losing. Bro, this makes no sense.”
austin reaves you will be remembered
— coach xavier (@thexavierjoseph) January 1, 2025
Austin Reaves 30 piece and we still Losing Bro this shi make no sense 💔
— LeBron__legacy 👑 🐐 (@LeBron__legacy) January 1, 2025
Cleveland took control early in the fourth quarter, building a comfortable 96-80 cushion. The Lakers showed fight, mounting a comeback that narrowed the gap to 112-107.
However, the Cavaliers responded decisively with a 10-3 burst to seal the victory. Allen’s thunderous dunk with 1:58 remaining pushed the lead to 116-107, effectively ending the Lakers’ hopes.
The Cavaliers’ three-point shooting remained impressive, as they drained 18 shots from beyond the arc – marking their seventh straight game hitting that milestone.
They’ll look to keep the momentum rolling when they wrap up their road trip in Dallas on Friday.
NEXT: Brian Windhorst Names 3 Things Cavs Can Offer At Trade Deadline
