LeBron, Doncic Lead Lakers Past Sixers 112-108 in Thriller/ TezzBuzz/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ LeBron James scored 29 points, including 10 straight in the fourth quarter, and Luka Doncic added a triple-double as the Los Angeles Lakers edged the Philadelphia 76ers 112-108. Joel Embiid struggled from the field, and Tyrese Maxey led the Sixers with 28 points. The Lakers pulled away late in a back-and-forth battle.
Lakers 76ers Game Quick Looks
- LeBron James scores 29 points on 12-of-17 shooting
- James hits go-ahead 3 and seals win with jumper
- Doncic records 31 points, 15 rebounds, 11 assists
- Maxey leads Sixers with 28 points in the loss
- Embiid scores 16 points on 4-of-21 shooting
- James scores 10 straight points in final minutes
- Doncic returns after birth of his second child
- Lakers improve behind strong performances from both stars
- Game played in front of sold-out Philadelphia crowd
- Lakers host Spurs Wednesday in NBA Cup quarterfinal
Deep Look: James and Doncic Power Lakers Past Sixers in Tight Finish
PHILADELPHIA — In a matchup filled with stars, it was LeBron James who once again rose to the moment.
The 40-year-old Lakers forward poured in 29 pointshitting clutch baskets in the final minutes to lift the Los Angeles Lakers to a 112-108 road win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday night. James scored 10 straight points late in the fourth quarter, including a go-ahead 3-pointer with 1:12 leftfollowed by a fadeaway jumper to extend the lead.
“It never gets old,” James said. “The boos, the cheers — that’s what I’ll miss most. To do it in a win, that’s even more special.”
James’ vintage performance came just days after his NBA record streak of 1,297 games scoring in double digits ended in Toronto. He responded with a sharp 12-of-17 shooting night in what might be his final appearance in Philadelphia, where the crowd of 20,431 gave him a rousing ovation after the final horn.
James also acknowledged he’s still working through foot and back issues that limited his early-season availability.
“I’m still not 100%, but I felt better tonight,” he said.
James wasn’t the only Laker to make a major impact.
Luka Doncicback in the lineup after missing two games for the birth of his second daughter in Slovenia, posted a triple-double with 31 points, 15 rebounds, and 11 assists. Though he wasn’t as sharp shooting the ball, Doncic managed to control the pace and make timely plays down the stretch.
“I want to play the game for them,” Doncic said, referring to his two daughters. “When they grow up, I want them to see what their father did.”
Lakers head coach JJ Redickwho also has two young children, praised Doncic for his poise and James for stepping up when it mattered most.
“LeBron was our connector tonight,” Redick said. “Luka clearly wasn’t at his sharpest after the travel, but he still did everything we needed.”
The 76ers were led by Tyrese Maxeywho scored 28 pointsbut the night belonged to the Lakers’ veteran stars.
Joel Embiiddespite playing through lingering knee issues, struggled heavily. The reigning MVP shot just 4-of-21 from the floor and missed all six of his 3-point attempts. He finished with 16 pointsbolstered by his 6-of-6 free-throw shooting.
Embiid had a few highlights, including a powerful block on James near the rim in the second quarter, but couldn’t match James’ late-game execution.
The game was tied at 105 after Embiid hit an 18-foot jumper with under two minutes remaining. James responded immediately with a deep three, then sank a 20-foot fadeaway to give the Lakers a five-point cushion with under a minute left.
The Sixers had one last push, but a missed three from Maxey and a late turnover ended their hopes of a comeback.
The win marked a significant step for the Lakers, who are finding their rhythm as their stars return to form. James, now nearing his 41st birthdayplayed 36 minutes and appears committed to pushing through another grueling NBA season.
“I’ve never not started a season since I was nine,” James said, reflecting on the games he missed. “It’s been mentally challenging. But I love the process.”
Game Notes:
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