It always hurts fans in the Southland when the Los Angeles Lakers lose to the Boston Celtics, even when it happens during a summer league game.
That is what happened on Wednesday, when the Lakers lost to their arch-rivals in Las Vegas, 95-90, snapping their budding streak of two wins in a row.
Los Angeles appeared in control early, taking a 28-19 lead after one quarter and a 53-43 advantage at halftime. But after leading by as many as 14 points, the Lakers lost control as the Celtics attacked the paint, especially in transition, and pounded the boards.
Three things, in particular, stood out for the Lakers, and not all of them were good things.