“LeBron James scored 32 points, D’Angelo Russell added 19, and the Los Angeles Lakers snapped a three-game losing streak by defeating the Phoenix Suns 122-119 in the NBA in-season tournament on Friday night.”
“James put on a spectacular performance, once again defying age in his 21st season, making 11 shots out of 17 from the field, including 3 out of 4 from three-point range. He recorded 11 rebounds and six assists in 36 minutes.
Kevin Durant led the way for the Suns with 38 points, and Bradley Beal contributed 24 points in the first half. Devin Booker missed his fourth consecutive game due to a right hamstring strain.
With 9:25 remaining, Austin Reaves made a leap as part of a 14-0 run, giving the Lakers their first lead of the second half at 97-96. Reaves added some mid-range jumpers in the fourth quarter to help the Los Angeles Lakers stay ahead.”
“Cam Reddish had 17 points, including a corner 3 by James, which put the Lakers ahead 118-113 with 1:10 remaining. Before Reddish’s shot, the Los Angeles Lakers secured three offensive rebounds in the situation.”
“After a foul in the first quarter, James limped off, holding his lower left leg. The 38-year-old star received some medical treatment on the bench before returning early in the second quarter. He looked fine for the rest of the evening and contributed to the Lakers’ comeback.
Durant scored 15 points in the third quarter, and the Suns took a single-digit lead. Reddish hit a buzzer-beating 3, reducing Phoenix’s lead to 96-89 and bringing the Lakers to fourth place.
Anthony Davis returned after missing a game due to a tailbone injury and posted 18 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists.
Beal, making his home debut with the Suns, cut through traffic at halftime, giving Phoenix a 63-55 lead while being 14 points ahead. James had 19 points in the first half.”
