Monday was the first time LeBron James topped 40 points this season. He scored a total of 46 points. It is the second-most he has ever made as a Laker. It is also the most he has ever made against his original team, the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Monday was also a special occasion for the Los Angeles Lakers as it is the last game they will play before the first death anniversary of legend Kobe Bryant’s death, and James became the oldest players in the franchise to score 40 points in a game since Bryant did it in his 60-point farewell performance in 2016.
James’ scoring outburst led the Lakers to a 115-107 win against the Cavaliers. He shot 9-of-26 from the field, 7-of-11 from deep, and 1-of-2 from the free-throw line. LeBron James also had six assists, eight rebounds, two steals, and two blocks. He scored 17 points in the first quarter, and then, he outscored the entire Cleveland roster 21-19 in the fourth. His shooting is now up to 40 percent on the season and is underway to set a new career-high.
The victory marked Los Angeles’ third straight win. On the road, they remain undefeated with a 10-0 record. It will keep them on top despite a slow start from Anthony Davis.
James has been a constant with the Lakers, just the way Bryant was for multiple years. It only seems fitting that one of his games in purple and gold would come with a connection to one of Bryant’s, especially considering how close his death anniversary is.
