In a dominant Lakers vs Warriors clash at Chase Center, LeBron James (41) erupted for 26 points, 11 assists, and 8 rebounds to lead the Lakers to a 119-103 rout, improving to 51-29 while dropping the Warriors to 37-43 and out of playoffs. DeAndre Ayton added 21 points as LA snapped a three-game skid against injury absences (Reaves, Doncic, Smart, Hayes), with James attacking the paint like “barbecue chicken” (per Worthy) and hitting 3-of-5 threes. This Lakers vs Warriors thriller secures LA’s No. 4-6 West seed hunt vs. Denver.
LeBron doing what LeBron does, compared the 2020 NBA Champion to the other incomparable “King.” Against the Warriors, it was like barbecue chicken (a Shaq O’Neal thing) for James in the paint as he went a blistering 3-of-5 from distance. He leads in scoring, rebounding and assists — he’s averaging 20.9 points per game this season. Knocking on the door of 50,000 career points and 12,000 assists, this all-timer joins a select group to be able to accomplish such feats at an age over ‘the old’ player threshold.
It was a tough week for the Lakers heading into the game vs. Warriors. They lost games against the Mavericks and Thunder, due in part to injuries hitting stars like Austin Reaves, Luka Dončić (did that trade really happen?), and Marcus Smart. In one of those games where the team desperately needed points to qualify for a playoff spot, James offered a masterclass as he scored in 32 minutes out of 64.7%. D’Angelo Russell had 17 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists. The struggles were undeniable for the Warriors, especially without Stephen Curry.
The aggression with which James played is amazing during this Lakers vs Warriors game. Proving to be the paint masters from quarter one, three-pointers left right centre and an assist to Bronny James – history made for the father-son duo! Even at 41, James remains a twenty three season veteran of a very consistent and honest gimmick. “He stepped up (with) injuries, and he attacked the paint with a purpose,” Worthy said. This is a new chapter of the classic Lakers vs. Warriors rivalry — a feud that has always charged the NBA.
In the Lakers vs. Warriors stats, the Lakers jumped ahead in the first quarter and never gave it back. Teamwork came through in James’s 11 assists — setting up Deandre Ayton to score. The Warriors’ defensive issues were magnified without Curry. This result may very well secure the playoff picture for the Lakers, who now boast a 51-29 record and are firmly in the hunt of seeding No. 5 or 6 in Western Conference.
LeBron’s career résumé is staggering: 4 NBA titles, 4 MVP awards and the all-time scoring record. 3940 In a historic first for the NBA—becoming the league’s very first father-son pairing! People are exclaiming, “King James is immortal!” For the Warriors, this loss eliminates them from postseason contention; they are 37-43 and officially out.
Rivalries such as Lakers vs. Warriors are what makes the NBA so fun. It’s Kobe vs. Curry to all of this current-day business for James vs. the Next Generation — history marches on. The Lakers have yet to find a way through their injury woes, but James’s present form is nothing but inspiring.
When is the next matchup of the Lakers vs. Warriors? They might meet in the playoffs this year. Talk about why James may soon retire began toward the end of last season, but at age 41, he is still one of the GOATs!
