LeBron lifts Lakers past Cavs in homecoming.
The Lakers climb back into the win column thanks to LeBron James and an energetic team effort, dropping the Cavaliers 131–120 in their most complete win of the season, improving their record to 31–41, moving back up to the 9th play-in spot in the West.
In their most complete win of the season, the Lakers finished with 64 points in the paint and 34 total assists, shooting 56% (53-for-94) overall from the floor. The Lakers' bench, led by D.J. Augustin, Malik Monk, and Stanley Johnson, finished the night with 49 bench points, contributing to the team's needed win tonight in Cleveland.
Toward the end of the 2nd quarter, LeBron James gave the Lakers a huge momentum shift with a thunderous posterizing dunk over former teammate Kevin Love, knocking him down to the floor after trying to take a charge.
"I hate that it had to be him," LeBron said. "That's my guy. That's my brother."
In his return to Cleveland, Ohio native LeBron James gave his hometown fans a show only they could truly appreciate as an opposing fanbase. In 40 minutes, LeBron finished with his 105th career triple-double, scoring 38 points on 59% (17-for-29) shooting, with 12 assists and 11 rebounds, leading the Lakers in all three categories.
"I'm all out. I don't have any more. No words." Frank Vogel said, trying to describe another stellar performance from Lebron James.
With tonight’s 38 point outing, LeBron James moved into the top spot in the scoring leader, passing Joel Embidd for first place at the moment, scoring an average of 30.0 points per game this season.
In tonight's win, D.J. Augustin provided a big boost off the bench, finishing with 20 points in 25 minutes off the bench, shooting an eye-opening 100% from the floor on 6-for-6 from three and 7-for-7 overall.
"There's just a calm to our offense when he's in the game." Frank Vogel explained, "He's shown us that he can shoot 1,000% from the field, so he's not allowed to miss another shot."
Russell Westbrook also received high praise from head coach Frank Vogel, saying he was a "big part" of the win tonight, as Westbrook finished 20 points on 50% (7-for-14) shooting and adding 11 assists and 4 rebounds in 35 minutes of action.
"He's playing with a great deal of confidence on both sides of the ball," Vogel added, finishing with a game-high +/- of +23 in tonight's win.
The Lakers' next matchup comes back home at the Crypto on Wednesday against the Philadelphia 76ers, who currently sit at 44–27 and are coming off a huge win against the Miami Heat without James Harden and Joel Embiid. Look for the Lakers to build off tonight's win in their race to stay in the play-in spot.