LeBron James said he would not be able to sleep on the Los Angeles Lakers’ flight to their game at the Minnesota Timberwolves after helping his team win 105-104 at Utah Jazz on Sunday.
NBA icon James contributed 27 points and 14 assists for the depleted Lakers, becoming the second player in NBA history – after Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – to surpass 15,000 career made field goals.
The 39-year-old missed a three-pointer for the 10th time in the game during the closing seconds, but Collin Sexton could not capitalise for the Jazz.
Bron with the left! pic.twitter.com/stELuArZBY
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) December 2, 2024
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Lakers vs Jazz: Reaves absence ‘hurt’
“That was just what the game called for at that moment,” James said of his four straight shots during the fourth quarter, helping LA established a 101-92 lead.
“I was able to execute it and make some timely shots. I won’t be able to sleep on this flight, for sure. Everything is still running from the game. Depending on how I feel when I get to Minnesota, hopefully I’ll be able to get to sleep.”
Head coach JJ Redick was without Jaxson Hayes because of a sprained right ankle, Austin Reaves as a result of a bruised hip and D’Angelo Russell and Cam Reddish through illness.
“It was a game where we didn’t have a lot going offensively, with pace and movement,” said Redick. “In the half court, AR is one of our best pace and movement guys, so not having him hurt a little bit.
Double-doubles from the duo & Lakers grab the win over Utah! pic.twitter.com/Im5z1GY2lr
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) December 2, 2024
“We really slowed things down in the second half and tried to get the match-up we wanted for LeBron to just handle in that pick and roll.
“Truthfully, that was the best offense we were going to generate, so whether we missed or made it, we just kept going to that. We got some clean looks that could have given us more of a cushion, but I liked our execution offensively.”
Timberwolves vs Lakers
Redick praised Anthony Davis, who top-scored ahead of James with 33 points and 11 rebounds, and newcomer Christian Koloko, who was introduced for nine minutes to promising effect, including a block on Sexton alongside James and Davis.
“It was just a big-time play at the end from Bron and AD and Christian, who we put in for the last play to be on the ball,” said Redick, whose side face the Timberwolves at 8pm ET on Monday.
“This was a great win for us. We’re coming off… nights where the travel was a little messed up and guys had Thanksgiving. I’m impressed with our group.”
