The Los Angeles Lakers bounce back quickly from their disappointing showing against the Orlando Magic by toppling the Miami Heat 113-97 on Sunday night.
It was an effort that was largely led by star forward LeBron James pouring in a season-high 51 points on 19-of-31 shooting from the floor along with hitting 6-of-8 from 3-point range. It was a dominating performance from James that has pushed him past Hall of Famer Allen Iverson for sixth all-time with his 12th career 50-point outing.
Beyond that, he also became the fifth player in league history to notch 50 or more points for three different teams joining the likes of Jamal Crawford, Bernard King, Moses Malone, and Wilt Chamberlain as the only players to accomplish that feat. Following the game, James spoke fondly about being able to do with three different organizations throughout his illustrious career, according to Dave McMenamin of ESPN.
“I’ve played for three very, very historic franchises in the time that I played,” James said. “Obviously, in Miami we did some historical things. In Cleveland we was able to do some historical [things]. And obviously the Lakers [name] speaks for itself, what they’ve been able to do. And so, my teammates, my coaching staff, they just put that trust in me to go out and make plays, and I just try to be as efficient as possible when I’m on the floor and make things happen.”
James had full command throughout the contest that saw him pour in 19 points in the first quarter that set the tone for the contest as the Lakers held the lead for the rest of the way.
His performance on the court has continued to pick up as the season worn on in the month of November that has seen him average 26.7 points on 51.2 percent shooting from the floor and 45.5 percent from beyond the arc. He has been highly productive through the first 16 games played as he has only failed to register 20 or more points twice. James has also tallied eight double-doubles and a triple-double.
He has also registered 40 or more points in two out of the last three games with his previous performance coming in the 126-117 win over the Portland Trail Blazers last Wednesday. The Lakers next take the floor on Wednesday night at Quicken Loans Arena in what will be James’ first game back in the arena to face the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Bob Garcia IV
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