The Los Angeles Lakers had not won since February 16 and a success over Utah, and remained on four consecutive losses, including two slaps against New Orleans and the LA Clippers. But on Saturday, the Lakers finally woke up, and with style. They won at home against the Golden State Warriors (124-116), second in the Western Conference, carried by a fantastic LeBron James (56 points).
The LA and NBA star made 19 of 31 shots (with a 6/11 three-pointer) and made 12 of 13 free throws. He also completed his stat sheet with 10 rebounds, three assists and a vs. At 37, James signed his best performance of the season and finished five points from his personal best (61 pts scored in March 2014).
James chained 3-point shots late in the game
Five years ago, the late Kobe Bryant had scored 61 points at 37, for his last game in the colors of the legendary Californian franchise. LeBron James is finally on the continuity of his very good season. He is a formidable skill with 51.9% shooting success and his average points (28.8) is the highest since the 2007-2008 season.
Despite the stratospheric form of their star player, the Los Angeles Lakers had to fight to overcome Golden State. Authors of a good start (25-11, 8th), they then ran behind the score (46-60, 21st). And, at the start of the last quarter, LA was still five points behind (89-94, 36th). The Lakers finally took the lead four minutes later (100-97).
One followed hand to hand between the two California franchises. James slammed three three-point shots then served Carmelo Anthony, who also scored behind the arc to finally put Los Angeles away (122-116), 34”3 from the buzzer. Two free throws from “King James” then completed the success of LA.
Westbrook and Anthony also decisive
In addition to the prodigious performance of their star, the Lakers were also able to count on Russell Westbrook, author of 20 points (9/17 shooting including 1/3 from three points), four rebounds and four assists, and Anthony (14 points, eight rebounds in 25 minutes). On the side of Golden State, Stephen Curry scored 30 points (13/22 in shooting including 4/9 from three points) and Jordan Poole, who was on the bench at the start of the match, scored 23 in 32 minutes. of game.
After their victory, the Los Angeles Lakers remain ninth in the Western Conference, far enough from the Clippers, eighth (six wins apart). They will try to continue their momentum on Monday at the San Antonio Spurs. Golden State, which now has four straight losses, will play Denver on the same day.
