LeBron James - Getty Images
In the NBA’s inaugural in-season tournament, LeBron James, just weeks away from his 39th birthday, showcased his enduring brilliance on the grand stage. The T-Mobile Arena’s dramatic theater lighting set the tone for an exciting semifinal, where James orchestrated a fantastic performance, propelling the Los Angeles Lakers to a decisive 133-89 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans.
Age-Defying Excellence
James, in his 21st season, demonstrated his exceptional skills by contributing 30 points, eight assists, and five rebounds, securing the Lakers a spot in the championship game against the Indiana Pacers, who earlier triumphed over the Milwaukee Bucks.
Pelicans Rout: LeBron’s Offensive and Defensive Brilliance
James’ consistent excellence shines through, and his remarkable performance against the Pelicans, making 9-of-12 shots (including 4-for-4 from 3) with zero turnovers and an impressive plus-minus of plus-36 in just 23 minutes, continues to surpass expectations.
A moment of reflection on James’ age, closer to retired legend Shaquille O’Neal than some of his teammates, adds another layer of incredibility to his on-court feats. Notably, in 61 seconds during the second quarter, James nailed three consecutive 3-pointers, reminiscent of his impactful encounter with Zion Williamson in 2020.
The game showcased not only James’ offensive prowess but also his defensive tenacity. Taking charges against the formidable Zion Williamson, James exhibited a commitment that defies his extensive playing time, holding a record for the most minutes in NBA history.
Lakers’ Dominance: Third-Quarter Surge to Victory
Entering the second half with a 67-54 advantage, the Lakers unleashed a dominating 22-6 run in the third quarter, sealing their victory. James’ alley-oop pass to Anthony Davis highlighted the Lakers’ command, leading 90-60. The final quarter saw a 43-17 surge, securing a commanding 110-71 lead for the Lakers.
The Lakers demonstrated excellence in various facets, shooting 51.7% from beyond the arc, outrebounding the Pelicans 40-31, and maintaining a disciplined game with only eight turnovers. Notably, four other Lakers scored in double digits, with Anthony Davis contributing 16 points, 15 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 blocks.
Lakers’ Season Turnaround and Conference Standings
After a season start of 3-5, the Lakers are riding a triumphant wave, winning seven of their last 10 games, and securing the 4th position in the Western Conference standings. As they head into Saturday’s championship game with the prospect of the first-ever NBA Cup and a per-player $500,000 cash prize, the Lakers, fueled by the tournament’s electric atmosphere in Vegas, aim for another title.
“This time of the year you tend to – you don’t want to admit it – but teams tend to sleepwalk through some of these games,” Lakers coach Darvin Ham said before the game. “So for the league to infuse this tournament at this point and time of the year, I thought it was brilliant. … Now being here in Vegas, it’s definitely a really thick electricity that’s happening that’s reverberating all the way through the arena, through the teams. Everybody is excited to try to give it their best shot.”
The Lakers, led by James, now stand on the brink of clinching another championship on Saturday.
This report used information from ESPN.
