Argentina make the most of their downtime in LA by watching LeBron James and the Lakers as the reigning world champions – who are without Lionel Messi – continue to prepare for the Copa America
- Argentina’s soccer team went to watch the Lakers play in LA on Sunday night
- Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez and Emiliano Martinez all watched on
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The Los Angeles Lakers welcomed the Argentina soccer team on Sunday night as the World Cup winners, who are without Lionel Messi, took in some NBA action.
The reigning world champions are preparing for the Copa America this summer, which is due to take place across the USA.
Lionel Scaloni’s team beat El Salvador 3-0 in a friendly in Philadelphia on Friday night and are due to play Costa Rica at the LA Coliseum on Tuesday.
The South Americans made the most of some downtime in California though as they took in the Lakers’ 150-145 win over the Indiana Pacers at Crypto.com Arena.
Pictures posted by the Lakers show the likes of Liverpool‘s Alexis Mac Allister and Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez taking in the action.
Emiliano Martinez and Guido Rodriguez watched the Lakers beat the Pacers in a thrilling game
Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister and Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez also took in some NBA action
(L to R): Angel Di Maria, Nicolas Otamendi and Nahuel Molina are all smiles at the Lakers game
Chelsea‘s Enzo Fernandez, Angel Di Maria of Benfica and former Manchester City defender Nicolas Otamendi were also snapped enjoying the game.
They certainly picked a good one to go to as the Lakers produced their franchise’s highest-scoring performance in 37 years.
Anthony Davis had 36 points and 16 rebounds, LeBron James added 26 points and 10 assists while Spencer Dinwiddie scored 26 points in his biggest offensive game since joining the Lakers, who have won three straight and five of seven.
Los Angeles led 116-99 entering the fourth quarter, but Indiana closed the gap to three points down the stretch while putting up a 46-point final period.
LeBron James and the Lakers gave their franchise’s highest-scoring performance in 37 years
Los Angeles held on by scoring 10 points in the final minute – including six free throws by Austin Reaves, who finished with 25 points in the highest-scoring performance by this 17-time NBA champion team since January 2, 1987.
All-Star Tyrese Haliburton awoke from a quiet 12-point performance to hit two 3-pointers in the final seconds, trimming the Lakers´ lead to three points with 20 seconds to play.
LA survived when Dinwiddie made one free throw and Haliburton missed a 3 before Cam Reddish stole Doug McDermott´s pass with three seconds left.
Messi is not with the Argentina squad this month due to a right leg muscle injury he sustained while playing for his Inter Miami club recently.
