LeBron James hit a clutch go-ahead 3-pointer late in the game and finished with 29 points as the Los Angeles Lakers edged the Philadelphia 76ers 112-108 on Sunday night.
Luka Doncic recorded a triple-double with 31 points, 15 rebounds, and 11 assists, returning after missing the previous two games to be in Slovenia for the birth of his daughter.
Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid had a rough shooting night, making just four of 21 shots and scoring 16 points, though he tied the game at 105 with an 18-foot jumper late in the fourth quarter. James quickly responded with a 3-pointer with 1:12 remaining, followed by a 20-footer on the next possession to give the Lakers a 110-105 lead. Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 28 points.
James reached double digits in scoring in the second quarter, his first game back since ending his streak of 1,297 consecutive games with 10 or more points, and threw down a thunderous dunk in the first half. Embiid, despite battling knee injuries, played aggressively and made all six of his free throws, but struggled from the field and had a late block on James that energized the crowd.
The Lakers, who will host San Antonio on Wednesday in an NBA Cup quarterfinal, improved their record with the win.
The 76ers, who will host Indiana on Friday, fell short despite strong contributions from Maxey and Embiid.
