LeBron James and Anthony Davis combined for 63 points, with 30 coming in a mesmerising fourth-quarter, to steer the Los Angeles Lakers past the Sacramento Kings 131-127 on Saturday.
The win moves them to a 3-0 record for the season.
The Lakers were up by 15 points and entering half-time with a 64-60 lead, but found themselves trailing 94-87 heading into the final quarter.
However, they responded with a 21-0 scoring run to start and were fueled by LeBron James who opened with 16 points, a remarkable showing from the NBA’s all-time leading scorer now in his 22nd season.
The Lakers built their fourth-quarter lead to 14 points on two occasions, but the Kings battled back, cutting the margin to just two points with under a minute remaining.
James then set up Anthony Davis for a huge three-pointer and Rui Hachimura for a dunk, meaning LA got another win.
James recorded his first triple-double of the season, tallying 32 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists, while Davis hit 31 points, nine rebounds, three steals and two blocks.
Today Was a Good Day pic.twitter.com/8VWmdgnLmi
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) October 27, 2024
For Sacramento, Domantas Sabonis – who has always turned up against the Lakers – also recorded a triple-double with 29 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists and was supported by De’Aaron Fox’s 28 points and 10 assists and DeMar DeRozan’s 23 points.
The Lakers win marks the end of a poor run of form against Sabonis.
Davis had never beaten the recent Netflix star, but can now add a win against the 10 losses on record.
A 3-0 start under JJ Redick may not have been on the cards for many, but the Los Angeles team are proving they are up for a challenge this season.
Davis has scored over 30 points in all three games so far, and James’ triple-double is also a testament to his work in his 22nd year.
