LeBron James reached the 25-point mark for the 23rd consecutive game this afternoon, tying Elgin Baylor’s Laker record, in his team’s 106-101 come-from-behind victory over the Utah Jazz.
The 37-year-old led the way for the Lakers, finishing with 33 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists on 14-of-23 from the floor, whilst Russell Westbrook’s 17 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists proved vital down the stretch.
Following a hot start, star bigman Anthony Davis landed awkwardly on his right ankle during the second-quarter. He was assisted to the locker-room and did not return to the game. X-rays came back negative and he was diagnosed with a right ankle sprain and will be re-evaluated following the All-Star break.
Down one of their stars and trailing by as many as 12 late, the Lakers were staring down the barrel of their fourth-straight loss until a fourth-quarter masterclass courtesy of James turned the tide to hand Utah their sixth-straight road loss. The Lakers outscored the Jazz 35-22 in the final period to complete the comeback, thanks to 15 from James and a dagger three from rookie Austin Reaves.
The Jazz came into the matchup having won all six games of their recent home-stand and looked poised to add to it until a late Lakers fightback. All-Star Donovan Mitchell had 37 on the night, to go along with 5 assists and 4 steals, whilst Bojan Bogdanović added 15 and Jordan Clarkson 13, off the bench. Fellow All-Star Rudy Gobert had a tough night, finishing with just 5 points and a plus-minus of minus-27.
Jazz coach Quin Snyder was left stunned by James’ fourth-quarter heroics, declaring the 18-time All-Star “”the greatest player of all time” in his post-game presser.
“Some people might dispute that,” he said.
“But that’s what I’m calling him.”
Both teams will now enjoy some much-needed rest over the All-Star break before the ever-pivotal final stretch of the season kicks off.
