‘It pretty much was a must-win for us, and we didn’t get the job done’

LeBron James’ last-ditch 3-pointer found nothing but air, and the Lakers’ postseason hopes continued to vanish with Friday night’s 114-111 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans. “The big picture is that it pretty much was a must-win for us, and we didn’t get the job done,” said James. “We had great opportunities throughout the night, and we didn’t make enough plays down the stretch. So that’s the big picture.”
Source: Dave McMenamin @ ESPN

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Oleh Kosel @OlehKosel
New Orleans’ stars met the challenge. The Lakers’ vaunted duo did not.
In the 4th quarter, McCollum, Ingram and Valanciunas combined for 23 of the 28 points while Anthony Davis and LeBron James were held to just 2 of 9 shooting and 6 points.
🧹🧹🧹 https://t.co/4SKrk2xbG3 pic.twitter.com/vLzsNNe9pH – 3:48 AM

Ryan Ward @RyanWardLA
LeBron on if he’s been challenged like this before:”Yeah, for sure. My first 2 yrs in the league I didn’t make the playoffs. My 1st year in MIA made it all the way to the Finals & lost. … I hate losing, but it’s not the worse thing that’s happened to me so far. Not even close.” – 2:12 AM

Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
LeBron on the big picture after this loss:
“It was pretty much a must-win (game) for us, and we didn’t get the job done.” – 2:04 AM

Kyle Goon @kylegoon
LeBron on a number of late game plays that went against them, from tough shots the Pelicans made to balls that bounced away from them, to foul calls they didn’t get: “Just feels like you can’t catch a break.” – 2:03 AM

Ryan Ward @RyanWardLA
LeBron on if it feels like the playoff chase is over: “Until it says we’re eliminated, then it doesn’t.” – 2:01 AM

Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
LeBron on his ankle: “It’s pretty sore right now. Early start on Sunday, hopefully it (reacts the proper way to treatment).” – 2:00 AM

Melissa Rohlin @melissarohlin
LeBron James: “The big picture is it was pretty much a must-win for us and we didn’t…