LeBron James responded to his first single-digit performance in 17 years with a dominant fourth-quarter display as the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Philadelphia 76ers 112-108 on Sunday.
“At 40 years old, I mean, it just takes a while for my body to kind of get back into a rhythm,” James said. “And so it felt good tonight to kind of feel like myself a little bit.”
The Lakers star, who missed 13 of 17 shots in Toronto on Thursday when his run of 1,297 consecutive double-digit scoring games ended, produced a season-high 29 points on 12-for-17 shooting. He added 7 rebounds, 6 assists and a late steal to close out the win.
“I do think it’s important to be reminded every now and then of what you’re capable of,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said. Sixers coach Nick Nurse added: “He’s done that a time or two in his life, right?”
James’ performance came with reminders of his longevity, including Philadelphia wearing the black throwback uniforms made iconic by Allen Iverson in the early 2000s and a late fadeaway jumper that prompted a mixed celebration combining his crown-placing gesture with “the silencer”. “I meshed it for the first time in my life,” James told Spectrum SportsNet.
Despite playing only his seventh game of the season after missing training camp, preseason and the first 14 regular-season games due to sciatica, he connected well with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
Doncic, returning from Slovenia after the birth of his second daughter, said: “I mean, that was amazing. That was vintage Bron. We’re happy he was there to save us.”
Reaves struggled with 3-for-16 shooting, prompting James to take on more late responsibility. “I felt like the opportunity kind of presented itself,” he said. “I felt like my two heavy hitters kind of didn’t have it or needed a little kick, and I tried to punch in from there.”
Lakers center Deandre Ayton, who limited Joel Embiid to 4-for-21 shooting, said: “It was like a movie. Ever watch a movie? Felt like a movie. I was in the movie.”
Doncic, who posted 31 points, 15 rebounds and 11 assists after a long transatlantic trip, described his week as “a roller coaster.”
He returned to find James’ son Bronny suited up on the Lakers bench. “It was a lot,” Doncic said. “I was there for the birth of my daughter, so that means everything to me. But it was definitely a roller coaster.”
James, now in his 23rd season, said he still relishes moments like Sunday. “I’ve had so many of those moments that it never gets old,” he said. “And that’s the one thing you won’t be able to get back when you’re done playing is that arena.”
The win moved Los Angeles to 17-6 and lifted James to 1,015 career regular-season victories, passing Robert Parish for second all time. It was also the Lakers’ first win in Philadelphia since 2017.
“To do it [and go on a scoring spree] in a win is even more important,” James said. “To be able to come up clutch in a win, that’s even more exciting.”