LeBron James has accomplished almost everything there is to achieve in the NBA. The American power forward wrote a new chapter in his illustrious career by exhibiting a historic comeback against the Los Angeles Clippers, overcoming a 21-point fourth-quarter deficit to win 116-112. The 97th and last regular-season game between the co-tenants of the Crypto.com Arena featured LeBron James at his peak. James scored 19 of his 34 points during the fourth quarter with six rebounds, and eight assists showcasing his incredible performance in a dramatic win. James fired an incredible 61.9% from the field and 58.3% from three, propelling the Lakers to an unlikely victory.
Kawhi Leonard missed a 12-footer with five seconds to play, and James threw a long pass to Cam Reddish for a dunk that punctuated a stunning victory for the Lakers in the rivals’ final regular-season game. The Clippers, who had been 31–1 this season when leading entering the fourth quarter, were left in awe as James scored 19 points in the final 12 minutes. The Lakers’ win reaffirmed James’s mantra: The game is not over until it’s double zeros.
The Lakers’ 116-112 victory may not have immediately impacted the playoff scenario, as they may still face a play-in tournament. Nonetheless, it highlighted LeBron James’ unbreakable spirit, as he demonstrated, just months shy of his 40th birthday, that he is still the best player on the court when he turns up his game on the court. Lakers’ Anthony Davis described James’ performance as “Sicko mode,” recognizing the breathtaking spectacle saw on the floor. James’ offensive barrage in the fourth quarter demonstrated his outstanding skill and commitment. He made five three-pointers, effortlessly navigating the Clippers’ defense, Davis said.
Reflecting on his outstanding and mouth-watering performance, the 39-year-old James said, it’s just a zone, and you can’t really describe it. You wish you could stay in it forever, but obviously, it checks out once the game ends. But during it, you don’t feel anything. It’s just like a superpower feel. I just kept it consistent. I wasn’t taking ill-advised shots. I stayed in the course of the offense. My teammates did a great job of continuing to find me, and I just tried to dictate the tempo, James added.
Clippers coach Tyronn Lue, who witnessed James’s superpower firsthand in 2016, acknowledged the unforeseen turnaround. Lue cautioned against turning the ball over to the Lakers, but seven turnovers in the fourth quarter fueled James’s offensive surge.
