THE ANGELS –
LeBron James scored 34 points, including 19 during a brilliant fourth quarter for the Los Angeles Lakers, who overcame a 21-point deficit and ended up beating the Los Angeles Clippers in dramatic fashion on Wednesday, 116-112.
Kawhi Leonard missed a shot almost four meters from the basket with five seconds left. James threw a long pass to Cam Reddish for a dunk that meant victory for the Lakers in what was the last regular season game between these Los Angeles rivals as co-owners of this downtown arena.
James, 39, was the protagonist of everything. He hit five of his seven triples – his highest number of the season – and single-handedly outscored the Clippers in the fourth quarter (19-16).
He had points or assists on 11 of the Lakers’ 13 baskets during the final period.
Leonard scored 26 points and James Harden added 23, along with nine assists, for the Clippers, who have lost consecutive games for the first time since Dec. 23. The Clippers played without their other star, Paul George, who missed his second consecutive game due to left knee soreness.
Starting center Ivica Zubak also did not play due to illness.