The Los Angeles Lakers’ extended their winning run in the new NBA season 2024 to 3-0 as they pulled off a remarkable fourth-quarter comeback against the Sacramento Kings, steered by a stellar performance from LeBron James.
LeBron Leads Lakers’ Fourth-Quarter Comeback
In a pulsating clash that took place on Saturday night, a Lakers fourth-quarter comeback was all it took to defeat Sacramento Kings 131-127 at Crypto.com Arena. The win, their third consecutive under new coach JJ Redick, marked their best start to a season since they went on a 8-0 winning run under head coach Phil Jackson in the 2010-11 campaign.
NBA legend LeBron James was in his element on the night, posting his first triple-double of the season to finish the game with 32 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists. Anthony Davis added another entry to the history books, becoming the first Laker since Kobe Bryant in 2005-06 to open the season with three consecutive games scoring 30 points or more.
However, the Lakers, trailing by seven points as they entered the fourth quarter, launched a passionate 21-0 run to regain control. James took charge, scoring 16 of those points, including three 3-pointers, to put the Lakers up 108-94 with just over eight minutes remaining.
“What can you say?” was the remark from Lakers head coach JJ Redick, commenting on yet another LeBron James performance. “Watching him take over in that fourth quarter was surreal. We’re witnessing greatness every game.”
A Back-and-Forth Battle with Sacramento
Coming into the game on the back of their opening day narrow defeat to Timberwolves, The Kings were determined to give their fans something to cheer for. Led by Domantas Sabonis and De'Aaron Fox, they fought hard to stay in the game. Sabonis, who notched a triple-double with 29 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists, kept the Kings within striking distance, while Fox contributed 28 points of his own.
After trailing the Lakers by as many as 15 points, Sacramento bounced back in the third quarter, and Fox’s back-to-back 3-pointers gave them a seven-point lead heading into the fourth. However, the Lakers, inspired by James’ fourth-quarter comeback performance, refused to give up.
In the game’s closing moments, Davis answered with a 3-pointer, extending the Lakers’ lead to five points. Gabe Vincent then sealed the victory by stealing the ball from Fox on Sacramento’s final possession, capping the Lakers’ impressive 3-0 start to the NBA season 2024.
“Just when you think he’s slowing down, he continues to show the world why he’s the greatest,” Davis praised James post-game.
Following the game, many Lakers fans took to microblogging site X, where they heaped praises on James and the Lakers head coach, with one fan, @Jaida_Woods commenting “JJ Redick is the real deal!”.
What's Next For Both Teams In The NBA Season 2024?
Sacramento Kings may have a new look offense, but after falling to two consecutive defeats in their first two games of the season, they will now be looking to make amends in their next game against Utah Jazz on Wednesday. Both teams come into the game at an identical 0-2 scorecard, and it promises to be fireworks all through. The game will be played at the Delta Center.
On the other hand, the Lakers will be looking to extend their rich vein of form when they travel to take on the Phoenix Suns at the Footprint Center. It's their second game against the Suns in the space of three days. The first game ended 123-116 in favor of the Lakers and they will hope they can get a similar result on Tuesday to extend their unbeaten streak in the NBA season 2024 to 4-0. If the Lakers keep up their performances, they will become one of the teams to watch this season.