LAS VEGAS — The experience seemed similar to the adrenaline rush tourists feel when they first arrive here.
Instead of enjoying pleasant days at the pool and rich earnings at the casino, the Lakers became excited with both the wins and their promising young core.
Then everything became as dreadful as when tourists leave Sin City.
Instead of feeling broke and hung over, the Lakers nearly capped the end of their Summer League experience both with an unexpected loss and an unexpected injury.
The Lakers lost, 88-80, to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday at Thomas & Mack Center, denying them both a chance for further postseason advancement.