The Los Angeles Lakers beat the Utah Jazz 135-133 on Tuesday in a thrilling overtime to secure a berth in the play-in round in the NBA.
The Lakers are looking to move up the Western Conference rankings on Wednesday against the LA Clippers. However, the team's superstars, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis, might have limited availability for the game as both are nursing foot issues.
According to ESPN, LeBron James played 38 minutes in his sixth game, returning after being sidelined for four weeks with a damaged tendon in his right foot.
The Lakers' superstar forward said that the game's additional five minutes were useless. "It definitely didn't help, but we needed to get the win."
LeBron James scored 37 points overall and made 14 of 27 field goal attempts. He is aware that sustained exertion of this kind is required if Los Angeles is to go far in the tournament.
LEBRON JAMES HITS A GAME WINNER IN OT VS UTAH🐐
— Lebron’s Burner (@legoatjames_6) April 5, 2023
HE ERUPTS IN THE CLUTCH AGAINST THE JAZZ IN A MASSIVE OVERTIME WIN🤯
THE LAKERS ARE ON FIRE WINNING 7 OF THEIR LAST 8🔥🔥🔥
KING JAMES TONIGHT👑
🐐37 PTS
🐐6 AST
🐐5 REB
WHOS STOPPING THESE LAKERS??#lakeshow #lakerswin pic.twitter.com/nTaphCIejd
The Lakers have the same record as the LA Clippers (41-38) and are a half-game behind the Golden State Warriors. They have a great shot at surpassing the Clippers and eventually getting out of the play-in scenario, per Clutch Points.
The Purple and Gold had showcased a tremendous reversal has already taken place for the team, which seemed doomed before the trade deadline.
Lakers head coach Darvin Ham kept the team together after a devastating injury. Austin Reaves took charge and got a hefty payout. While under intense scrutiny, Anthony Davis delivered a strong performance in LeBron James' absence due to a foot injury.
Read Also: Paul George Injury Update
Lakers Fans Show Love For LeBron James
According to Bleacher Report, Lakers supporters felt great about their squad following the hard-fought match. They took to social media to their appreciation for LeBron James for the spectacular finish:
User tomisha javon said: "Lebron is literally that man!!!"
One Twitter user named Ry tweeted: "I'm glad LeBron attacked the rim. That's the money ball in April/May/June."
User Release said: "38-year-old LeBron James just scored 9 out of his team's total 11 OT points. On a bad foot. Year 20. Cmon man. This isn't normal."
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