NBA swings are severe, with a strong game often a day or two away from a bad one.

Saturday night in Cleveland, the Lakers’ offense rolled, the ball zipped, and the defense flexed late.

Two days after looking so connected, the Lakers were back to being strangers, glaring at one other after missed baskets, botched drives, and broken defensive assignments on Monday night in Philadelphia.

The Lakers lost 138-94 after a disastrоus night.

One of the team’s biggest losses. The worst of LeBron James’ career.

Darvin Ham, a slow coach to call it a night, withdrew his starting with more over eight minutes left as the 76ers played with greater force, intention, and attitude.

The 76ers tried 18 more three-pointers and 13 more free throws, outscoring the Lakers on all counts.

Earlier, 76er backup Paul Reed branded Anthony Davis a “big flooper.” After hitting his first three shots, Davis and the Lakers went quiet.

Last season, the Lakers traded Patrick Beverley, who yelled at his former team’s bench and who he guarded.

Philadelphia talents Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey outplayed the Lakers. Maxey scored 31 with eight assists and Embiid 30 with 11 rebounds and 11 assists.

James and Davis scored 35.Despite averaging 11 threes before Monday, the 76ers Һit 13 in the first half against the Lakers.

First, Maxey eased the Lakers from three before Beverley, who was shooting 13.6% from deep, made three early threes.

While the 76ers bombed from deep, the Lakers had trouble scoring due to missed shots and a sloppy rhythm.

A 20-2 surge in the first quarter broke a 25-point deficit for the Lakers. After being outplayed for most of the first half, the Lakers trimmed their deficit to 15.

After cutting it to 12 in the third quarter, the 76ers surged again, turning the game into a blowout. The Lakers allowed 22 threes, their highest this season.

The Lakers play Detroit again on Wednesday.

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The Los Angeles Times published this.