Lakers' LeBron James: Tallies 19 points in Game 3 defeat
Rotowire
James recorded 19 points (7-19 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 3-4 FT), eight assists, six rebounds and one steal over 37 minutes during Saturday's 131-108 loss to the Thunder in Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals.
James and the Lakers' offense struggled during Saturday's loss, with the future Hall of Famer going 5-for-16 from the field through the first three quarters. He still put together a balanced stat line and finished second on the Lakers in points, assists and rebounds. The Lakers find themselves down 3-0 in the series, and a loss Monday in Game 4 would eliminate them from postseason contention. It's fair to wonder if a loss Monday would be the last time James dons a Lakers jersey, as he's set to become an unrestricted free agent in the offseason.
... See More... See Less
Lakers' LeBron James: Game-high 27 points in Game 1 loss
Rotowire
James posted 27 points (12-17 FG, 3-6 3Pt, 0-1 FT), six assists, four rebounds and one steal in 36 minutes during Tuesday's 108-90 loss to the Thunder in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals.
James turned in an extremely efficient performance en route to a game-high 27 points, scoring 12 in the opening quarter. The veteran forward has reached the 25-point threshold in three straight games and has now dished out at least six dimes in each of his last 11 appearances. James and the Lakers will look to bounce back in Game 2 on Thursday, though they'll need a better offensive performance from Austin Reaves, who scored just eight points on 3-of-16 shooting from the field Tuesday.
... See More... See Less
Lakers' LeBron James: Leads Los Angeles to win
Rotowire
James finished with 28 points (10-25 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 6-8 FT), seven rebounds and eight assists across 37 minutes in Friday's 98-78 win over the Rockets in Game 6 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.
James shot 0-for-9 from behind the three-point line in the Lakers' previous two games heading into this contest. However, the 22-time All-Star turned it around Friday by sinking two of his five attempts from deep. He also had only three turnovers after combining for 16 in Games 3 and 4. With Los Angeles earning the win, the team will advance to meet Oklahoma City in the Western Conference Semifinals. In two meetings with the Thunder during the regular season, James struggled, averaging 17.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 0.5 blocks and 1.0 steals while shooting 12.5 percent from downtown across 31.0 minutes per contest in those appearances.
... See More... See Less
Lakers' LeBron James: Strikes for game-high 25 in loss
Rotowire
James logged 25 points (9-20 FG, 0-6 3Pt, 7-10 FT), three rebounds, seven assists and two steals in 39 minutes during Wednesday's 99-93 loss to Houston in Game 5 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.
It was another strong showing from the 41-year-old as he led all scorers on the night, but a returning Austin Reaves was the only other Laker to score 20 or more. James is averaging 22.2 points, 8.4 assists, 7.2 boards, 1.6 steals and 1.4 threes on the series, and he'll look to drag Los Angeles across the finish line and into the second round in Game 6 on Friday.
... See More... See Less
Lakers' LeBron James: Tough night in Game 4 loss
Rotowire
James accumulated 10 points (2-9 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 6-6 FT), four rebounds and nine assists over 33 minutes during Sunday's 115-96 loss to the Rockets in Game 4 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.
Only three Los Angeles players even scored in double digits in the loss, and James's poor showing was compounded by eight turnovers -- the second straight game with that many TOs. The 41-year-old may be buckling under the strain of having to carry a shorthanded Lakers offense that's still missing Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique), but James is averaging 21.5 points, 8.8 assists, 8.3 boards, 1.8 threes and 1.5 steals in 38.8 minutes to begin the postseason. He'll look to help the Lakers punch their ticket to the second round with a win on home court in Game 5 on Wednesday.
... See More... See Less
Lakers' LeBron James: Stuffs stat sheet in win
Rotowire
James finished Friday's 112-108 overtime win over the Rockets in Game 3 of the first round of the playoffs with 29 points (10-22 FG, 4-9 3Pt, 5-6 FT), 13 rebounds, six assists, three steals and one block in 45 minutes.
James led the Lakers in points and rebounds while matching the team high in three-pointers. After a few miscues down the stretch, the 41-year-old came up clutch late, recording a pivotal steal with 20 seconds remaining before knocking down the game-tying triple with 14 seconds left in regulation. He finished second on the Lakers in steals and has tallied multiple swipes in two of three first-round games. James and the Lakers will now look to close out the series in Sunday's Game 4 in Houston.
... See More... See Less
Lakers' LeBron James: Strong effort in Game 2 win
Rotowire
James finished Tuesday's 101-94 victory over the Rockets in Game 2 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs with 28 points (8-20 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 10-14 FT), eight rebounds, seven assists and one steal over 39 minutes.
James, who is carrying a ton of weight on his shoulders without Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique), continues to impress at his advanced age. James even pulled off a reverse dunk in this contest, and the Lakers now take a commanding 2-0 series lead into Houston.
... See More... See Less
Lakers' Deandre Ayton: Shines with double-double
Rotowire
Ayton contributed 19 points (8-10 FG, 3-3 FT), 11 rebounds, two assists and one block over 35 minutes during Saturday's 107-98 win over the Rockets in Game 1 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.
Ayton's scoring total was engineered in part by LeBron James, who found his big man often and generated a few assists by connecting with him. Ayton has had his share of inconsistencies this season, but he went toe-to-toe with Alperen Sengun and finished with the better rebound result. It's all hands on deck for the Lakers, who need balanced output from everyone with Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique) sidelined. Ayton needs to keep the volume up and assume additional responsibility as a scoring threat to keep ahead of the Rockets in the first-round series.
... See More... See Less
Lakers' LeBron James: Drops 13 dimes in convincing win
Rotowire
James ended with 19 points (9-15 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 0-2 FT), eight rebounds, 13 assists, one block and two steals in 38 minutes during Saturday's 107-98 win over the Rockets in Game 1 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.
James racked up eight assists before the end of the first quarter, fully embracing his role as a ball distributor. He had time to perform his own heroics as a scorer as well. He converted 60 percent of his shots in the contest and was only two rebounds shy of his fourth triple-double of the season. With Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique) absent, James is expected to keep turning back the clock, churning out solid totals as the Lakers try to sweep the Rockets.
... See More... See Less
Lakers' LeBron James: Playing versus Jazz
Rotowire
James (foot) is available for Sunday's game against Utah, Daniel Starkand of LakersNation.com reports.
James is good to go after being listed as questionable for this contest. However, it's unknown how much action he will see, considering the Lakers are focused on the postseason.
... See More... See Less
Lakers' LeBron James: Questionable to face Utah
Rotowire
James (foot) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Jazz.
James may be held out of the Lakers' regular-season finale due to left foot injury management. If the superstar forward is sidelined, Maxi Kleber, Drew Timme and Jarred Vanderbilt would be candidates for increased playing time.
... See More... See Less
Lakers' LeBron James: Big double-double in Friday's win
Rotowire
James totaled 28 points (10-16 FG, 2-2 3Pt, 6-9 FT), six rebounds, 12 assists and four steals over 32 minutes during Friday's 101-73 victory over the Suns.
With the victory, the Lakers clinched home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs, as they can't finish any lower than fourth in the Western Conference. James led his team in points and boards on the night en route to his 17th double-double of the season, and since Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique) landed on the shelf he's averaged 28.0 points, 12.7 assists, 7.7 rebounds, 2.3 steals and 2.0 threes while shooting 60.0 percent from the floor and 46.2 percent from beyond the arc.
... See More... See Less
Lakers' LeBron James: Leads Los Angeles with 26 points
Rotowire
James collected 26 points (11-17 FG, 3-5 3Pt, 1-2 FT), eight rebounds, 11 assists, two steals and one block in 32 minutes during Thursday's 119-103 win over the Warriors.
James pieced together a stellar final line and led the Lakers in points, rebounds and assists on the way to a resounding victory. The 41-year-old checked out of the game at one point during the second half with an apparent right hand injury, but James stated after the win that this is something he's been managing since March 23 against Detroit, per Trevor Lane of LakersNation.com, and he was later able to return. The superstar has kicked his production into another gear without the services of Austin Reaves (oblique) and Luka Doncic (hamstring), which is something James will need to continue as both key contributors are unlikely to return until later in the postseason.
... See More... See Less
Lakers' LeBron James: Off injury report
Rotowire
James (foot) isn't listed on the injury report for Thursday's game against the Warriors.
James missed Tuesday's loss to the Thunder due to left foot injury management, though he's set to return to the lineup Thursday. His return will leave fewer minutes available for guys like Maxi Kleber, Drew Timme and Jarred Vanderbilt. James has averaged 18.4 points, 8.6 assists and 7.2 rebounds across 33.2 minutes per game over his last five appearances.
... See More... See Less
Lakers' LeBron James: Won't play Tuesday
Rotowire
James (foot) won't play in Tuesday's game against Oklahoma City, per Khobi Price of The California Post.
James' absence Tuesday now leaves the Lakers without Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique). Plenty of playing time and usage is now open to the rest of the team, opening the door for Jarred Vanderbilt and perhaps even Bronny James to play meaningful minutes Wednesday.
... See More... See Less
Lakers' LeBron James: Questionable versus Thunder
Rotowire
James (foot) is listed as questionable for Tuesday's game against Oklahoma City.
James had 30 points, nine rebounds, 15 assists and one steal across 39 minutes in Sunday's 134-128 loss to Dallas. However, with only four games remaining on the regular-season schedule for the Lakers, it's possible the multi-time All-Star will miss at least one of them in preparation for the postseason. If James doesn't suit up against Oklahoma City, Jarred Vanderbilt may slide into the starting lineup.
... See More... See Less
Lakers' LeBron James: Sniffs triple-double
Rotowire
James closed Sunday's 134-128 loss to the Mavericks with 30 points (12-22 FG, 1-6 3Pt, 5-9 FT), nine rebounds, 15 assists and one steal in 39 minutes.
James struggled from three-point range, but other than that, he delivered a strong fantasy line while ending just one rebound shy of a triple-double. The All-Star forward will be forced to carry a heavier burden on offense for the time being due to the absences of Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique). If he can stay on the court, James should be a massive fantasy asset in the final week of the regular season.
... See More... See Less
Lakers' LeBron James: Muted effort in blowout
Rotowire
James logged 13 points (3-7 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 6-8 FT), six rebounds, two assists, one block and one steal across 26 minutes during Thursday's 139-96 loss to Oklahoma City.
The Lakers were blown out of this contest, resulting in fewer minutes for James. It's worth mentioning that Luka Doncic tweaked his hamstring Thursday, meaning James could have more responsibilities going forward if Doncic is forced to miss time.
... See More... See Less
Lakers' LeBron James: Will play Tuesday
Rotowire
James (foot) is available for Tuesday's game against the Cavaliers, Trevor Lane of LakersNation.com reports.
It was thought that James could get Tuesday night off for injury maintenance, but the star forward will suit up after all. James is fresh off a triple-double Monday night against Washington, as he finished with 21 points, 10 rebounds, 12 assists and one block in 33 minutes.
... See More... See Less
Lakers' LeBron James: Could be rested Tuesday
Rotowire
James is questionable for Tuesday's game against the Cavaliers due to left foot injury management.
The Lakers are contemplating giving James a maintenance day for the second leg of a back-to-back set while he continues to manage a lingering left foot issue. During Monday's 120-101 win over the Wizards, James finished with 21 points (8-16 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 4-6 FT), 12 assists, 10 rebounds and one block across 33 minutes.
