This archive report was first published on 6 August 2020.
On August 6, 2020, the Los Angeles Lakers, having secured the top seed in the Western Conference, faced off against the Oklahoma City Thunder in their first game since clinching the spot. The Lakers were thoroughly defeated, losing 105-86 to the Thunder.
Chris Paul led the Thunder with 21 points, while Danilo Gallinari added 19 points to the Thunder's total. The Thunder's victory kept them one game behind the Utah Jazz for fourth place in the Western Conference.
LeBron James led the Lakers with 19 points and 11 rebounds in 30 minutes on the court, while Anthony Davis contributed 9 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists. Despite the loss, James remained optimistic about the team's chances in the playoffs.
“Some things we need to continue to work on,” James said. “We’ve been out 4 1/2 months. When you put in the hours, put in the reps, you can’t worry too much. You’ve got to go get it.”
The Lakers' loss was not the only one suffered by top teams in the league. The Orlando Magic and Brooklyn Nets, both contenders for the Eastern Conference playoffs, were defeated by title contenders. The Toronto Raptors, led by Fred VanVleet's 21 points and 10 assists, defeated the Orlando Magic 109-99.
Other notable games included the Philadelphia 76ers' victory over the Washington Wizards, led by Joel Embiid's 30 points and 11 rebounds, and the Utah Jazz's win over the Memphis Grizzlies, led by Joe Ingles' 25 points and Mike Conley's 23 points.
