Early in the fourth quarter of their game versus the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday, the Los Angeles Lakers trailed by 21 points, and it looked like they were on their way to a brutal loss.
But at that point, they flipped the switch — or more accurately, LeBron James flipped the switch. He poured it on to the tune of 19 points and five 3-pointers in the final period to lead the Purple and Gold to a thrilling 116-112 victory.
It was a win they sorely needed: They had lost two of their previous three games and were falling behind in their quest to finish in the top six of the Western Conference.
On X, formerly known as Twitter, fans were amazed.
Say his name, say him name, Goat James. Y’all better enjoy this . He’s Haley’s Comet only 2 be enjoyed every 75-79 yrs. #GoatJames #Lakers #Clippers
— shannon sharpe (@ShannonSharpe) February 29, 2024
Great game by LeBron James.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) February 29, 2024
LEBRON MASTERCLASS
LAKERS PASS THE WARRIORS
KAWHI STILL LEBRON SON
RUI CLUTCH
LAKERS BEAT THE CLIPPERS ON THE ROAD pic.twitter.com/JOs7mmQLMh
— “ (@cookedbylegoatt) February 29, 2024
The Kobe statue is swarmed by fans after every Laker game, especially tonight after the Lakers beat the Clippers pic.twitter.com/uPW2p1CHA6
— 𝐉𝐚𝐤𝐞 (@SixthManJake) February 29, 2024
The Lakers don’t look like a team that wants to make the playoffs.
Clippers don’t have Paul George or Zubac… they’re still up 18.
Embarrassing. pic.twitter.com/n5EeQmEnZC
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) February 29, 2024
LeBron wants to win. Simple. pic.twitter.com/oUvC5LMJz3
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) February 29, 2024
Largest 4th quarter CHOKE in the NBA by the #Clippers
Clippers led by 21 in the 4th. Lakers went on a 39-16 run to win by 4.#NBA pic.twitter.com/iyM2H66dTe
— Brandon Bryant (@brandonbryanttv) February 29, 2024
LAKERS BEAT THE CLIPPERS BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY THEY BEAT THE FAKE COMEBACK ALLEGATIONS pic.twitter.com/zznohlsKDY
— Rebecah 🍒 (@BecahJayy) February 29, 2024
Last time the Lakers beat the Clippers in a season series:
— Blake Griffin led the Clippers in scoring
— Kobe Bryant led the Lakers in scoringTonight, the Lakers snapped a decade long streak. pic.twitter.com/D5EpeBgLJH
— StatMuse (@statmuse) February 29, 2024
In no world should a team with Kawhi and Harden blow a 19 pt lead in the 4Q. That’s a pathetic loss from the Clippers #NBA #Lakers #Clippers pic.twitter.com/5vhtM3EUyZ
— Dillon Bates (@bates_dillon) February 29, 2024
Lebron James in the 4th Quarter:
-Out scored the Clippers by himself 19-16
-5 Three Pointers
-Lakers Win
-Largest 4th Quater Comeback win of his 21 year careerThis brother could play 5 more years EASILY pic.twitter.com/eVJ8GCpm8y
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) February 29, 2024
LeBron single-handedly outscored the Clippers 19-16 in the fourth quarter to erase a 21-point 4th quarter deficit.
He scored or assisted on 11 of the Lakers' 13 buckets in the frame.
Greatness. pic.twitter.com/wd2zXUOhqc
— Justin Turpin (@JustinmTurpin) February 29, 2024
NBA teams had lost 866 consecutive games when they trailed by 19+ points entering the 4th quarter until the @Lakers defeated the Clippers tonight
— Blake Warye (@bwaryeofblake) February 29, 2024
Clippers lost their championship to the Lakers, are we surprised https://t.co/BvSZT25QmJ pic.twitter.com/rcrT6Cu1vo
— Pepé Silvia ⚜️ (@SlayYoung23) February 29, 2024