LeBron James has been setting records for over two decades, and the novelty of the In-Season Tournament allows him to establish inaugural records that future players may find hard to surpass. While he is in his 21st season, the LA Lakers star has continued to defy age by delivering legendary performances.
LeBron James has once again reminded the NBA community why many people consider him as the GOAT of the game. King James took the opportunity he had while the Lakers matchup against the Phoenix Suns in the in-season tournament quarterfinals to match a feat accomplished by Kobe Bryant.
LeBron James matches Kobe Bryant’s record
After defeating the Phoenix Suns 106-103 on Tuesday, LeBron James continued to leave his mark on NBA history. The Los Angeles Lakers’ victory advanced them to the inaugural In-Season Tournament semifinals in Las Vegas, where they will play the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday. Yet another King James performance was the highlight of the show.
LeBron produced an outstanding stat line of 31 points, 11 assists, 8 rebounds, and 5 steals in leading the Lakers to win the game. This performance represented several historical firsts. King James became the first Laker to have 20 points, 10 assists, and five steals in a game since Kobe Bryant in 2004. In addition, he is now the 17th oldest player overall to score a five-steal game of any kind and the oldest player in NBA history to accomplish a 30-point, 10-assist, five-steal performance.
As the Lakers progress to the championship game, regardless of the outcome, LeBron James’ recent standout performance will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the defining moments in the early years of the In-Season Tournament.
Lakers beat Suns
In the quarterfinals of the inaugural In-Season Tournament, the Los Angeles Lakers clashed with the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night, marking their third encounter this season. Having previously defeated the Suns in group play, the Lakers secured the top seed in the knockout stages.
The game featured star players LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Kevin Durant, and Devin Booker, ultimately resulting in a 106-103 victory for the Lakers, propelling them further in the tournament.
The game ended with LeBron James putting in a remarkable 31 points, 11 assists, including 8 rebounds and 5 steals to steal the Tuesday night show, as he went on to write his name in the history books of the NBA. The match began with D’Angelo Russell sinking a wing triple, initiating the scoring. With 14 points in the first quarter, Anthony Davis led the Lakers to a 33-23 advantage. The Suns managed a comeback, cutting the margin to four points before halftime despite having a 15-point lead.
After missing five games, Rui Hachimura returned, giving the Lakers’ lineup more depth. The Suns went on a 10-0 run in the third quarter, but Austin Reaves and the Lakers managed to keep the game close. They saw a competitive exchange in the fourth quarter as Anthony Davis and LeBron James displayed their skills in the pick-and-roll.
Despite a late surge by the Suns, crucial plays by Reaves and Davis secured a hard-fought victory for the Lakers with a final score of 106-103.
