LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Washington Wizards 120-101 in the NBA, led by LeBron James' triple-double with 21 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds. Without Luka Dončić, suspended for accumulation of technical fouls, the veteran wing took control to propel Los Angeles to their 12th win in the last 13 games.
The Los Angeles Lakers started the game with energy and an aggressive LeBron attacking the rim. The four-time MVP recorded two powerful two-handed dunks in the first quarter off assists from Austin Reaves, though the Washington Wizards managed to stay in the game during the opening minutes and closed the first period with a slight advantage.
The game changed completely in the second quarter. An 11-0 run led by Jaxson Hayes, who scored the final five points of that stretch, gave the Lakers a lead they would not relinquish. The Lakers closed the first half with a dominant 38-13 run, heading into halftime with a 21-point advantage and complete control of the game on this NBA matchday.
In the second half, the Washington Wizards attempted a comeback. The visitors managed to cut the deficit to 10 points by the end of the third quarter, but LeBron James took control of the game once again to extinguish any comeback attempt. The Los Angeles Lakers leader completed his third triple-double of the season and the 125th of his regular season career, in his 23rd season in the NBA.
Beyond LeBron James' starring role, the Los Angeles Lakers received several important offensive contributions. Austin Reaves added 19 points and nine assists, while Luke Kennard and Jaxson Hayes contributed 19 points each off the bench. Deandre Ayton also chipped in with 12 points in a very balanced offensive attack.
For the Washington Wizards, the leading scorer was Will Riley with 20 points, followed by Justin Champagnie, who added 18. However, the capital city team could not avoid their 19th loss in the last 20 games in the NBA.
LeBron James' performance also held historical significance. With this victory, the wing reached 1,228 wins in his career (including playoffs), tying Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's record as the player with the most wins in NBA history.
The Los Angeles Lakers would have secured their playoff berth and the Pacific Division title with this win and a loss by the Phoenix Suns, but Phoenix's victory over Memphis postponed that official confirmation. Still, the Lakers remain in great form as they continue their push toward the postseason.