LOS ANGELES (AP) — In a dramatic and electrifying showdown, LeBron James led the Los Angeles Lakers to a stunning 116-112 comeback victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night. James scored 19 of his 34 points in a brilliant fourth-quarter performance, overcoming a 21-point deficit to secure the win in the final regular-season game between the two teams as co-tenants of their downtown arena.
LeBron’s Heroics in the Fourth Quarter
LeBron James, at 39 years old, showcased his enduring brilliance by outscoring the Clippers 19-16 in the fourth quarter. He was the driving force behind the Lakers’ 39-point final period, hitting five of his season-high seven 3-pointers and either scoring or assisting on 11 of the Lakers’ 13 baskets in the quarter.
“It’s just a feeling when you feel like everything you put up is going in,” James said. “I just kept it consistent. I wasn’t taking ill-advised shots. I stayed in the course of the offense. My teammates did a great job of continuing to find me, and I just tried to dictate the tempo, dictate the game. … It’s just a zone. Can’t really describe it. Wish you could stay in it forever.”
Clippers’ Struggles and Key Misses
Kawhi Leonard, who scored 26 points, missed a crucial 12-footer with five seconds to play. This miss allowed James to make a long pass to Cam Reddish for a dunk, sealing the Lakers’ victory. James Harden added 23 points and nine assists for the Clippers, who committed seven turnovers and allowed the Lakers to dominate the fourth quarter.
The Clippers played without All-Star Paul George, who missed his second straight game with a sore left knee, and starting center Ivica Zubac, who was ill. Coach Tyronn Lue acknowledged the tough loss but maintained perspective on the team’s overall performance.
“It’s one game,” Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said. “Played well for three quarters. Didn’t finish the game. I never let one loss or a bad loss take away from what we’ve been doing and what we’ve built. It’s a tough loss because we were up 21 points, but this is a good team, and when you don’t take care of the basketball and you don’t do what you’re supposed to do, you lose.”
Lakers’ Comeback Highlights
The Clippers held a 98-77 lead in the opening minute of the fourth quarter, but the Lakers rallied with a 29-8 run in just 7:34. Anthony Davis, who scored 20 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, tied the game at 106 with four minutes to play. James then assisted Rui Hachimura on a go-ahead 3-pointer, and D’Angelo Russell’s 3-pointer put the Lakers up 114-108 with 1:12 remaining.
Despite late drives to the hoop by Harden and Leonard, the Clippers could not overcome James’ dominance. Leonard’s final shot missed, and James found Reddish for a game-sealing dunk, much to the delight of the Lakers fans in attendance.
Player Contributions
- LeBron James: 34 points, 19 in the fourth quarter, 7 3-pointers.
- Anthony Davis: 20 points, 12 rebounds.
- D’Angelo Russell: 18 points.
- Rui Hachimura: 17 points, including a crucial go-ahead 3-pointer.
For the Clippers:
- Kawhi Leonard: 26 points.
- James Harden: 23 points, 9 assists.
- Paul George: Missed the game with a sore left knee.
- Ivica Zubac: Missed the game due to illness.
Historical Context
This victory marked the Lakers’ first season series win over the Clippers since 2011-12. The two teams have shared the same arena, initially known as Staples Center, since it opened in 1999. However, this era will end when the Clippers move to the newly built Intuit Dome in Inglewood next season.
Despite the Clippers’ recent regular-season successes, the balance of power in Los Angeles still heavily favors the Lakers, who have 17 NBA championships. The Clippers have made strides but have yet to meet the Lakers in a playoff series.
Los Angeles Lakers Match Player Stats and Box Score
| PLAYER | MIN | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3:00 PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% | OREB | DREB | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO | PF | PTS | +/- |
| Rui HachimuraF | 29:27:00 | 8 | 15 | 53.3 | 1 | 5 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 17 | 1 |
| LeBron JamesF | 37:01:00 | 13 | 21 | 61.9 | 7 | 12 | 58.3 | 1 | 1 | 100 | 1 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 34 | 11 |
| Anthony DavisC | 36:05:00 | 8 | 15 | 53.3 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 5 | 80 | 3 | 9 | 12 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 20 | -4 |
| Austin ReavesG | 35:50:00 | 6 | 11 | 54.5 | 1 | 4 | 25 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 8 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 13 | -5 |
| D’Angelo RussellG | 34:23:00 | 6 | 10 | 60 | 3 | 6 | 50 | 3 | 4 | 75 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 18 | 8 |
| Spencer Dinwiddie | 19:59 | 3 | 6 | 50 | 1 | 4 | 25 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 7 | -3 |
| Cam Reddish | 19:37 | 2 | 4 | 50 | 1 | 2 | 50 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Taurean Prince | 16:56 | 1 | 4 | 25 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Max Christie | 0:05 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -2 |
| Jaxson Hayes | 10:37 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 6 |
| Skylar Mays | DNP – Coach’s Decision | |||||||||||||||||||
| Dylan Windler | DNP – Coach’s Decision | |||||||||||||||||||
| TOTALS | 47 | 86 | 54.7 | 14 | 36 | 38.9 | 8 | 10 | 80 | 8 | 31 | 39 | 28 | 6 | 5 | 15 | 12 | 116 | 4 | |
LA Clippers Match Player Stats and Box Score
| PLAYER | MIN | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3:00 PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% | OREB | DREB | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO | PF | PTS | +/- |
| Amir CoffeyF | 25:04:00 | 3 | 8 | 37.5 | 2 | 6 | 33.3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 8 | 9 |
| Kawhi LeonardF | 39:17:00 | 11 | 19 | 57.9 | 3 | 6 | 50 | 1 | 2 | 50 | 2 | 5 | 7 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 26 | -2 |
| Daniel TheisC | 30:49:00 | 4 | 10 | 40 | 1 | 4 | 25 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 9 | 0 |
| Terance MannG | 30:23:00 | 7 | 9 | 77.8 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 100 | 1 | 5 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 16 | -1 |
| James HardenG | 39:40:00 | 8 | 16 | 50 | 2 | 9 | 22.2 | 5 | 6 | 83.3 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 23 | -12 |
| Russell Westbrook | 17:23 | 3 | 9 | 33.3 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 100 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 8 | 3 |
| Norman Powell | 30:20:00 | 6 | 15 | 40 | 2 | 9 | 22.2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 14 | -13 |
| P.J. Tucker | 11:08 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | -3 |
| Mason Plumlee | 15:56 | 3 | 3 | 100 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 50 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 8 | -1 |
| Brandon Boston Jr. | DNP – Coach’s Decision | |||||||||||||||||||
| Kobe Brown | DNP – Coach’s Decision | |||||||||||||||||||
| Moussa Diabate | DNP – Coach’s Decision | |||||||||||||||||||
| Bones Hyland | DNP – Coach’s Decision | |||||||||||||||||||
| Jordan Miller | DNP – Coach’s Decision | |||||||||||||||||||
| Xavier Moon | DNP – Coach’s Decision | |||||||||||||||||||
| TOTALS | 45 | 89 | 50.6 | 10 | 37 | 27 | 12 | 16 | 75 | 9 | 27 | 36 | 29 | 10 | 1 | 12 | 17 | 112 | -4 | |
Looking Ahead
The Lakers’ victory not only bolsters their confidence but also serves as a statement as they head into the latter part of the season. The Clippers, on the other hand, must regroup and address their fourth-quarter collapses. With both teams aiming for playoff success, this game might serve as a crucial learning experience.
In conclusion, LeBron James’ extraordinary performance and the Lakers’ tenacious spirit highlighted an unforgettable night in Los Angeles basketball, proving once again the unpredictable and thrilling nature of the sport.
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