LeBron James showcased his all-around brilliance once again as he recorded his third consecutive triple-double to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a thrilling 128-123 comeback win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night. James finished the game with an impressive stat line of 35 points, 14 assists, and 12 rebounds, solidifying his status as one of the NBA's top performers.
The Lakers received a significant contribution from Anthony Davis, who scored 21 points, including 11 crucial points in the fourth quarter. Despite encountering foul trouble, Davis made a pivotal impact on the game, hitting key baskets down the stretch to secure the victory for Los Angeles.
Memphis was led by Jaren Jackson Jr., who poured in 29 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Lakers' late surge. The Grizzlies, who had been on a three-game winning streak, fell short in a closely contested matchup.
Rookie standouts Dalton Knecht and Rui Hachimura also made significant contributions for the Lakers, each scoring 19 points to bolster the team's offensive output.
After trailing at the end of the third quarter, the Lakers mounted a comeback in the final period, highlighted by a 10-2 run to start the quarter. The lead changed hands multiple times before Davis' clutch 3-pointer put Los Angeles ahead for good.
Noteworthy performances included Marcus Smart's return for the Grizzlies after a six-game absence due to an ankle injury, where he contributed 14 points. The Lakers, on the other hand, showcased their sharpshooting by making a season-high 20 3-pointers, with Knecht going a perfect 5-for-5 from beyond the arc.
Davis reached a career milestone during the game, surpassing 18,000 career points with a layup in the first quarter. His accomplishment solidifies his place among the NBA's elite, becoming the 80th player in league history to achieve this feat.
With the win, the Lakers improved to a perfect 6-0 record at home for the first time since the 2010-11 season, signaling their dominance on their home court.
Looking ahead, both teams are set to face tough challenges in their next NBA Cup games on Friday night. The Grizzlies will take on the Golden State Warriors, while the Lakers will travel to San Antonio for their upcoming matchup.
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