LeBron James put on an impressive show, scoring a season-high 40 points to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 129-120 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder during Saturday’s NBA action, ending their four-game losing streak.
The 38-year-old superstar was highly efficient, shooting 13-20 from the field, including a perfect five 3-pointers, and hitting all his nine free throws. He also contributed with seven rebounds, seven assists, and two blocks.
The Thunder, after trailing by as many as 26 points, narrowed the gap to eight in the fourth quarter. However, James took control, scoring 11 crucial points in the last 4:29 to secure the win for the Lakers. James expressed satisfaction in his ability to make key plays and close out the game.
“To know I can go out and still make game-winning plays, can affect the game in multiple ways, and can still close out a game in the fourth quarter when our team needed when they started making a run is always a good feeling, for sure,” James said.
In echoing the game’s significance, Anthony Davis added 26 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists. Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves also played pivotal roles, scoring 21 and 11 points, respectively. The Lakers, who had struggled with a 1-5 record since winning the In-Season Tournament, showcased excellent teamwork with a season-high 37 assists and only nine turnovers.
“Everyone was making shots and everybody was passing the ball,” James said. “We were trying to keep it on time, on target, and not turn the ball over. That was the key to it.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
For the Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led with 34 points, while Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren added 28 and 19 points, respectively. Oklahoma City had been on a winning streak, capturing three straight and five of their last six games.
Hachimura’s 16 first-half points helped the Lakers establish a 71-59 lead by halftime, shooting 60% from the field. The Lakers’ dominant play continued into the third quarter, with James hitting key 3-pointers and setting up Davis for a notable dunk.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
Despite the Thunder’s late rally, the Lakers maintained their lead, highlighted by a crucial 3-pointer from James. Thunder coach Mark Daigneault acknowledged the Lakers’ desperation for a win and saw the game as a valuable lesson for his team.
“They they came out like a team that was desperate for a win,” Daigneault said. “I didn’t think we came out like poor or sloppy or soft or anything like that, but we just didn’t amp it up to the level that we needed to, in that first half especially. And we allowed them to kind of get to a groove. And I thought that was really the game right there. So it’s a good lesson for us.”
Looking ahead, the Lakers are set to host the Boston Celtics, while the Thunder will face the Minnesota Timberwolves in their upcoming games.
