LeBron James showcased his brilliance with a remarkable fourth-quarter performance, guiding the Los Angeles Lakers to a stunning 116-112 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.
The Lakers orchestrated a comeback from a 21-point deficit in a thrilling clash that will be remembered as a defining moment in the teams’ rivalry.
LeBron James scored 19 of his game-high 34 points during a mesmerizing fourth quarter, surpassing the Clippers’ entire team total for the period (19-16).
James demonstrated his versatility, sinking a season-high seven 3-pointers and contributing either through scoring or assists on 11 of the Lakers’ 13 baskets in the final quarter.
FINAL: Lakers 116, Clippers 112
– The Lakers comeback from 21 points in their last "road game" at Crypto.
– LeBron James outscores the Clippers by himself in the fourth quarter.
– The Lakers come back from over 20 points in the fourth quarter for the first time in over 20 years.— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) February 29, 2024
Despite facing a 98-77 deficit at the start of the fourth quarter, James spearheaded a sensational 29-8 run within 7 minutes and 34 seconds.
The Lakers, led by Anthony Davis’ clutch free throws and a go-ahead 3-pointer from Rui Hachimura, managed to tie the game at 106-106 with four minutes remaining. D’Angelo Russell’s timely 3-pointer and crucial plays from James sealed the comeback victory.
Kawhi Leonard scored 26 points, and James Harden contributed 23 points and nine assists for the Clippers, who played without All-Star Paul George and starting center Ivica Zubac.
The absence of George and Zubac created an opportunity for the Lakers to exploit the Clippers’ defense, and LeBron James seized the moment with his dominant fourth-quarter performance.
The Lakers’ triumph not only marked a comeback from a 21-point deficit but also secured a 3-1 series victory over the Clippers this season, a significant achievement for the purple and gold. The Lakers hadn’t won the season series against the Clippers since the 2011-12 season.
As the Lakers and Clippers bid farewell to the iconic Staples Center, their shared home for the past 25 years, this victory takes on added significance. The Lakers’ era at the Staples Center concludes this fall, with the Clippers moving into the Intuit Dome.
LeBron James, who orchestrated a comeback from over 20 points in the fourth quarter for the first time in over 20 years, showcased his enduring greatness and solidified the Lakers’ dominance in the rivalry.
The thousands of Lakers fans in attendance at the “road” game witnessed a memorable victory that will undoubtedly be etched in the annals of the Hallway Series.
