LeBron James delivered 26 points and a dramatic showdown with Dillon Brooks as the Los Angeles Lakers narrowly defeated the Phoenix Suns 116-114 on Sunday.
The Lakers held a 20-point lead in the fourth quarter, but the Suns staged a late comeback, taking a one-point advantage with 12 seconds remaining after a clutch three-pointer by Brooks.
In a tense final sequence, Brooks bumped James, resulting in James receiving his second technical foul of the game and an ejection. James, 40, missed the technical free throw, but was immediately fouled by Suns star Devin Booker on a three-point attempt. James made two of three free throws with three seconds left, securing the victory for the Lakers.
James commented on the confrontation: “It’s the NBA, no boys allowed. We’re out there competing and we were able to get the last laugh.”
In addition to his scoring, James contributed four assists, three rebounds, and blocked Grayson Allen’s potential game-winning three-pointer late in the game.
Luka Doncic added 29 points, six assists, and three rebounds, while Deandre Ayton led the Suns with 20 points.
James reflected on the game: “We got behind the eight ball a lot in the fourth quarter, but I thought for the majority of the game our physicality was good.”
The Lakers currently top the Western Conference Pacific Division, with the Suns sitting in second place.
