LeBron James winced as he made his way back to the visitor’s locker room at Footprint Center on Friday night, displaying a slight limp due to a shin injury sustained in the first quarter. Despite the discomfort, James delivered an outstanding performance with 32 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 122-119 victory over the Phoenix Suns and securing their first in-season tournament win.
The game featured another intense showdown between James and Kevin Durant, with Durant notching 38 points, nine rebounds, and five assists. In a crucial moment, James assisted Cam Reddish in hitting an open three-pointer, giving the Lakers a 118-113 lead with 1:10 remaining. James also had to endure an inadvertent blow from Durant during a drive in the first quarter, causing a left shin injury that required treatment.
Despite the soreness, James persevered, acknowledging the discomfort after the game and walking with a slight limp. Looking ahead, the Lakers face the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday.
The victory held significant importance for the Lakers, breaking a three-game losing streak on their four-game road trip and marking their inaugural in-season tournament triumph. Head coach Darvin Ham implemented a lineup change, starting Reddish and moving Austin Reaves to the bench for the first time this season. Ham emphasized the need for balance in the lineup, drawing a parallel to successful San Antonio teams.
Reaves, accepting the decision, responded positively by contributing 15 points and seven assists. Reflecting on the change, Reaves recognized the need for improvement and the team’s overall performance.
The Lakers, with a 4-5 record, demonstrated improved three-point shooting, making 12-of-27 attempts, and secured key second-chance opportunities. In a pivotal moment, they capitalized on offensive rebounds before James assisted Reddish in a critical three-pointer.
James expressed satisfaction with overcoming challenges, stating that the win marked a turning point for the team, especially after playing from behind in previous games. As a parting note, James playfully took a jab at rival Michigan and coach Jim Harbaugh when discussing Phoenix’s defense, referencing their knowledge of former Lakers coach Frank Vogel’s strategies.
In summary, despite facing adversity with injuries and a losing streak, LeBron James and the Lakers secured a significant victory against the Phoenix Suns, showcasing resilience and adaptability in their approach.
