Even after playing with intensity for the Lakers against the NBA’s finest team, the Boston Celtics, his thoughts rushed back to the things he could have done better.

“At all times, one ponders shots that might have been taken,” advised Anthony Davis. “Defensive plays were possible.” Rebounds that were possible. There were free throws that I was capable of making. Such antics that might have altered the course of the game.”

On Christmas Day at Crypto.com Arena, Davis’ dominant performance of 40 points, 13 rebounds, and four assists in 38 minutes and 50 seconds was not nearly enough to prevent the Lakers from falling 126-115 to the Celtics.

He completed 15 of 26 free throws from the field. He completed eight out of ten free throws.

However, Davis bemoaned a third-quarter missed free throw that represented a crucial turning point for the Lakers.

Departing by 2:16 in the third period, he failed to make the second of two free throws, resulting in a seven-point deficit for the Lakers.

The Celtics capitalized by chasing down the Lakers’ error and scoring on Al Horford’s three-pointer; this extended Boston’s lead to ten points and doomed the Lakers to an unrecoverable state of catch-up.

Davis stated, “I considered it during the game; I missed a free throw in the third quarter, and they ended up making a fast-break three.” “And all I could think was, ‘That does not occur if I make the free throw.'” Thus, during a game, and subsequently when reviewing the film, one contemplates areas for personal and collective improvement to rectify certain errors.

All the details matter, Lakers coach Darvin Ham said, and they matter all the time.

The Lakers didn’t get back on defense enough, allowing the Celtics to score 23 fast-break points.

The Lakers fouled too much on defense, allowing Boston to separate from them in the third quarter by making 12 of 14 free throws.

The Lakers didn’t get enough stops on defense, allowing the Celtics to shoot 50.5% from the field.

“We can’t get bored with the details,” Ham said. “Sprinting back every time, no matter how difficult it may be, fatigue, what have you. Gotta sprint back [in] transition D, allow the chance to have the offense in front of you and not be scattered or have them behind you. And not fouling, getting the defensive rebound, not turning the ball over, having them organized and playing with force offensively.”