Lakers have a collapse for the ages

They lead by as many as 24 points, but Celtics rally to take a 3-1 lead in the Finals.
By Mike Bresnahan
Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

June 13, 2008

History wrapped its arms around the Lakers, though not nearly the type they ever hoped to embrace.

The Lakers lost a 24-point lead in historic fashion, a stagger turning into a numbing collapse against the Boston Celtics, who took Game 4 of the NBA Finals, 97-91, Thursday at Staples Center.

It was shocking, stunning, and a whole string of whatever anti-superlatives could be dug up and heaped on the Lakers, who allowed the biggest comeback in Finals history since Elias Sports Bureau became the official stat-keeper of the NBA for the 1970-1971 season.

The Celtics now lead the best-of-seven series, 3-1, bringing up another list of near-impossibilities for the Lakers.

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