Even though he hadn’t played since Christmas, LeBron James was able to put in 40 minutes in his return to the lineup for the Lakers on Thursday, leading his team to an overtime win over their Los Angeles rivals.
In the 123-120 win over the Clippers, James came up one assist short of a triple-double, scoring 24 points with 14 rebounds, nine assists, one steal, and four turnovers.
Lou Williams led the Clippers with 24 points and Patrick Beverley added 17.
👑 @KingJames puts up 24 PTS, 14 REB, 9 AST, leading the @Lakers to victory in his return to action! #LakeShow pic.twitter.com/tNQvfJD7xl
— NBA (@NBA) February 1, 2019
Without James in the lineup, the Lakers went 6-11 so it was certainly a boost to have the King back on the floor.
“Definitely ecstatic about being back out there with my guys, but being out five weeks, I’m feeling it right now,” James said afterward. “I wish I could click my shoes together right now and be home in my bed. I’m looking forward to seeing how I feel tomorrow. That’s going to be the telltale sign of all the rehabbing and the working and everything I’ve been putting in these last five weeks.”
Kyle Kuzma, Brandon Ingram, and Josh Hart were also on the floor for the Lakers, but it’s anybody’s guess how many more games they will play for the team.
One, or all, of them, could be included in the trade package the Lakers are reportedly trying to put together to nab Anthony Davis from the New Orleans Pelicans.
Second-year guard Lonzo Ball and draft picks would also likely be part of any trade package.
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