(Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers needed a hero and they happened to have one.
Down 19 points entering the fourth quarter and en route to another tough loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, LeBron James decided to take matters into his own hands.
The 21-year veteran turned back the clock and defied Father Time again to score 19 of his 34 points in the final period.
With him leading the way, the Lakers outscored the Clippers by 23 in the final period to secure a four-point win.
He even outscored the Clippers on his own, as the Lakers’ defense held them to just 16 points in the final period.
Following the win, coach Darvin Ham showered his superstar with praise, stating that it was about time he whipped his cape out and led the team to a win (via NBA Central).
Darvin Ham said LeBron put on his cape last night after outscoring the entire Clippers team by himself, 19 to 16, in the 4th quarter
“It was time for him to whip it out.”
( @Digits3App / https://t.co/fYuv9EDCN2) pic.twitter.com/XL4uM9Bgrg
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 29, 2024
The Clippers have completely owned the Lakers for quite a while now, especially since James arrived in town.
This was the kind of statement win that could be a catalyst for the Purple & Gold, a team that has shown an ability to play lockdown defense from time to time but has been unable to do it consistently.
With their 32nd win of the season, the Lakers are currently No. 9 in the Western Conference, just half a game ahead of the Golden State Warriors.
They could still get hot in the final stretch of the season to avoid the Play-in Tournament, but they need to bring this kind of defensive identity to the table night in and night out.
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