Definitionally, everything LeBron James does at this point in his career is historic, because nobody in NBA history has ever, at age 39, done what James is doing. But that doesn't mean all the history is created equal. James came through on Wednesday with another triple-double (his third straight) on a night the Lakers really needed him.
Following a hot shooting start to the game (where they built up a 15 point lead) the Lakers went cold in the second and third quarters, losing defensive cohesion and then the lead. They had to dig deep to find a way to win, and they did.
At the core of the comeback was James (35 points, 12 rebounds, 14 assists), playing in a way that was physically and mentally dominant without being reliant on high flying athleticism. You can see the craft of basketball in action when James puts on displays like this one. On a night where Anthony Davis struggled with foul trouble, which took him and his teammates out of their flow, the Lakers needed others to fill the void. Dalton Knecht stepped up with his most consequential game as pro, playing 31 minutes and hitting all five of his 3-pointers. Knecht, Redick said, provided not just production, but also real energy coming off the bench.
How Knecht might break through going forward, especially as Gabe Vincent continues to be a disaster, is going to be a topic going forward. The Lakers need that production in a big, bad way.
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
**SEGMENT 1: **The Lakers build a big lead, then lose it, then get it again.
**SEGMENT 2: **AD in foul trouble? No worries. LeBron steps WAY up.
**SEGMENT 3: **Is it time to play Knecht more (and sit Vincent)?
Mint MobileTo get the new customer offer and your new 3-month premium wireless plan for just $15 a month, go to mintmobile.com/lockedonnba). See Mint Mobile for details.
RobinhoodRobinhood Gold provides the privileges of a high net worth for any net worth. These generous benefits are now available for only $5/month. The new Gold Standard is here with Robinhood Gold. Sign up at robinhood.com/gold).
GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code **LOCKEDONNBA **for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.
FanDuelYou can start the season with a big return on FanDuel. New customers can place a FIVE DOLLAR bet and you’ll get started with **ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS **in BONUS BETS - if you win your first FIVE DOLLAR BET ! Visit FANDUEL.COM t)o get started.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG) (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat) (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com) (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)