LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers drives for a layup against Dillon Brooks of the Houston Rockets in the first quarter at Crypto.com Arena on November 19, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Caitlin Mulcahy/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES — With the Lakers leading 90-85 midway through the fourth quarter, LeBron James gave Houston Rockets forward Dillon Brooks a slight shoulder nudge to create a little space and then connected with Anthony David Si performs a pick-and-roll.
Even with Brooks being screened by Davis, James only needed that separation to turn quickly and drive inside for a power dunk that brought the announced 18,997 spectators inside Crypto.com Arena to their feet.
This game is a microcosm of the Lakers’ 105-104 home victory over the Rockets.
On a night when most of their teammates struggled to shoot the ball, James (season-highs 37 points, 8 assists, 6 rebounds, and 3 steals) and Anthony Davis (27 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals) shouldered the load offensively. most of Sunday.
When they needed a game-deciding point, James drew a shooting foul with less than two seconds left and hit one of two free throws to seal the victory for the Lakers (8-6). This was James’ fifth 30-point game this season, his third in the last five games, and his second consecutive game.
Brooks (team-high 24 points) missed 3 before the final buzzer.
Austin Reeves (17 points, 6 assists, 6 rebounds) and Rui Hachimura (11 points, 4 rebounds) provided support for James and Davis throughout the game.
With 24 seconds left, Brooks broke through the air and gave Reeves an open space to double-team James on the wing. Reeves hit a three-pointer with an assist from James, and the Lakers led 103-102.
Reeves’ 3-pointer came after Davis fouled out with 58 seconds left, tying the game at 100. The Lakers did not challenge Davis’ foul call, and coach Davin Hamm unsuccessfully challenged Davis’ foul call in the second quarter. . Davis scored 13 of his total points in the third quarter.
With 17 seconds left in the game, Alperon Sengun (23 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists) hit a hook shot to reduce the Lakers’ lead to 103-102. Reeves made one of two free throws. The Lakers led by 12 points, 104-102. Seconds remaining.
Eight seconds later, Sengon scored on James to tie the score at 104, and then James fouled out of the basket to seal the victory.
The Lakers will return to Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday for the final game of the in-season tournament group stage against the Utah Jazz. If the Lakers defeat the Jazz, they will win Group A of the Western Conference and advance to the knockout rounds of the tournament.