
In a stunning turn of events during the highly anticipated Lakers vs Clippers showdown on Wednesday night, LeBron James emerged as the hero, scoring 19 of his 34 points in a spectacular fourth quarter. This remarkable performance propelled the Los Angeles Lakers to overcome a daunting 21-point deficit and secure a thrilling 116-112 victory over their crosstown rivals.
The Lakers’ downtown arena witnessed a nail-biting finale to the regular-season games as co-tenants, and it was LeBron James who stole the spotlight. With just five seconds remaining, Kawhi Leonard’s missed 12-footer paved the way for James to showcase his playmaking skills, delivering a long pass to Cam Reddish for a game-sealing dunk.
The 39-year-old James showcased his mastery, hitting a season-high seven 3-pointers, with five of them coming in the fourth quarter. In a display of individual brilliance, James outscored the entire Clippers team 19-16 in the final quarter, contributing to 11 of the Lakers’ 13 baskets through scoring or assists.
Reflecting on his exceptional performance, LeBron James shared, “It’s just a feeling when you feel like everything you put up is going in. I just kept it consistent, stayed in the course of the offence, and my teammates did a great job of finding me. It’s just a zone. Can’t really describe it. Wish you could stay in it forever.”
On the Clippers’ side, Kawhi Leonard contributed 26 points, and James Harden added 23 points along with nine assists. However, the Clippers succumbed to a calamitous fourth quarter, committing seven turnovers and allowing 39 points.
Clippers coach Tyronn Lue acknowledged the tough loss but emphasized the team’s resilience, stating, “It’s one game. Played well for three quarters. Didn’t finish the game. I never let one loss take away from what we’ve been doing and what we’ve built.”
The Lakers’ comeback was highlighted by a 29-8 run led by LeBron James, overturning the Clippers’ 21-point lead. The victory marked the Lakers winning three of four matchups against the Clippers this season, securing the season series for the first time since 2011-12.
As the Clippers and Lakers bid farewell to the Staples Center after 25 years, the rivalry will see a new chapter in the fall when the Clippers move into the Intuit Dome. Despite the Clippers’ progress, the balance of power in Los Angeles still leans in favour of the Lakers, who have won 17 NBA championships.
While the teams may meet in a playoff series this spring, the current era concludes with the Lakers’ dominance in Los Angeles. Cam Reddish’s return from a 14-game absence due to a sprained right ankle added to the Lakers’ joyous celebration of their victory in the final regular-season game as co-tenants.