Anthony Davis dominated with 40 points and 15 rebounds, while LeBron James contributed 31 points as the Los Angeles Lakers handed the Washington Wizards their 13th consecutive loss in a 134-131 victory during Thursday’s NBA action. The game, filled with dramatic turns, saw the Lakers extend their winning streak and keep playoff hopes alive.
James made a pivotal play in overtime, blocking Jordan Poole‘s layup attempt before tying the game with a 3-pointer. His assist on Davis’ subsequent dunk put the Lakers ahead, showcasing the veteran’s critical role in the game’s crucial moments.
“We had to get some stops, and we had to execute offensively,” James said. “Not turn the ball over. It’s a tough league, and after last night’s victory, we had to come in against a young, scrappy team that’s not playing for much, just playing hard, a lot of speed, a lot of youth, and obviously, it took us 53 minutes to get the job done.”
Despite battling an ankle issue, James’s performance against the Wizards proved vital, especially following his significant contribution in overcoming a 21-point deficit against the Clippers the previous night. The Lakers star is on the verge of reaching an unprecedented scoring milestone, with the 40,000-point mark within grasp.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers, Washington Wizards Updates
D’Angelo Russell also played a key role in the Lakers’ success, adding 22 points to the team’s effort. Despite their recent victories, the Lakers have struggled to climb higher in the Western Conference standings, a challenge they continue to face head-on.
“We’re in a race right now, and we’re continuously just trying to get better, work on ourselves and get healthy,” Davis said. “And while doing it, staying in the fight, staying in the hunt.”
The Wizards, despite their losing streak, showed resilience and tenacity. Jordan Poole’s season-high 34 points and Marvin Bagley III’s significant contribution highlighted their potential and determination, even in defeat.
“I thought it was great,” Wizards coach Brian Keefe said. “We talked about playing closer to 48 minutes of basketball consistently, and I thought our guys played 53 minutes tonight. We played the whole game. … Our guys played hard, consistent, shared the ball, did the things we were asking the whole game. Just didn’t get the win.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers, Washington Wizards Updates
The game’s intensity was mirrored in the final moments of overtime, with the Wizards failing to capitalize on their opportunities, highlighting the thin line between victory and defeat in the NBA.
Looking ahead, the Wizards aim to rebound against the Los Angeles Clippers, while the Lakers prepare for a significant matchup against the Denver Nuggets, with James likely to hit his milestone.
