The Lakers had an opportunity to give themselves something to be thankful for today, but in the end... no. They lose to the Mavericks at the Crypt, 104-101.

After entering the fourth quarter down 20, the Lakers shut down the Mavericks offense almost completely, managing not only to eat up the deficit but actually take a lead with a little more than a minute to play. At that point, though, it wasn't a comeback that fell short, it was a lead that they lost down the stretch. And it was thanks to missed free throws (four of them in the last four-plus minutes), a bad turnover from LeBron (after great play in the rest of the quarter) and a really bad defensive mistake from Austin Reaves, leaving Kyrie Irving just a little too open for three. (Reaves, like LeBron, was to that point a huge reason the Lakers had a chance to win.)

So in the end, it was a missed opportunity. One the Lakers could have used to give themselves a little breathing room ahead of a challenging road trip. And more than that, the Lakers just need to start winning games against decent teams when the opportunities are there. And at home, with a lead late? Close that out.

And at least on Wednesday, Darvin Ham's focus on the spirit and heart of the squad to fight back in the fourth fell flat. Everyone knows the team doesn't quit on games. How about not falling behind in every first quarter? Or grabbing a rebound? Or a 50/50 ball?

Meanwhile, Max Christie started for an injured Cam Reddish. How did he do?

And should Ham have called timeout heading into that last full possession for the Lakers?

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: The Lakers lose a very, very frustrating game on Wednesday night.

SEGMENT 2: This was a missed opportunity, and the Lakers have to be careful not to let too many of these slip by.

SEGMENT 3: Should Ham have used a TO down the stretch?

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