Julia StumbaughJanuary 31, 2025
Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images
The absence of Anthony Davis didn’t stop LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers from putting up a season-high 134 points Thursday night against the Washington Wizards.
James led the shorthanded Lakers to the 134-96 blowout with 11 assists and 24 points, including a three-pointer from the Wizards logo:
Bleacher Report @BleacherReportLEBRON PULLS UP FROM THE LOGO 😤🔥 pic.twitter.com/CFGS6Potjd
The outing marked the ninth straight game James has finished with at least 20 points. That’s the longest such stretch by any player aged 40 or older, per Emily Hybl and ESPN Stats and Info.
StatMuse @statmuseLeBron in 3 quarters:
24 PTS
11 AST
Third in APG since turning 40. pic.twitter.com/krHIOcdSar
CatchTheAtrain🚄🚉 @CatchTheATrainI saw Lebron James play against Wizards 2006 playoffs against Gilbert Arenas,, & to see Lebron still cooking Wizards 2025 is insane !!!!
IG:SLKIDD™ @JR_SpudLewisWe’ll never see a player like LeBron James again. At least doing this at 40 https://t.co/LnYL9b4q3Q
Lakers Hoops (27-19) @HoopLakersLeBron did a great job taking care of the ball after his careless game in Philadelphia. 11 assists and NO turnovers tonight
WAREbron💍💍 @Labron70No more AD hub offense, we back in the Lebron era now
The Lakers were missing not only Davis, who was out with an abdominal strain, but also Gabe Vincent to a knee injury and Dorian Finney-Smith to a shoulder issue.
When asked ahead of the game how the bench would be deployed against the Wizards, Redick answered, “All hands on deck” (h/t ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.)
In light of Bronny James’ struggles when he was deployed early in the Lakers’ Tuesday loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, Redick was cautious in sending his reserves out onto the floor.
Once the Lakers had established a 33-point first half lead, however, Redick turned to his reserves.
Bronny spent 12 minutes on the court, contributing five points while going 1-of-6 from the field and making three free throws. He added two rebounds, two assists and a steal to the most productive outing of his NBA career so far.
Bleacher Report @BleacherReportBronny gets a TOUGH and-1‼️😤
LeBron’s reaction was too wholesome 😂 pic.twitter.com/16Ec4TAnRJ
DJ 🤴🏾 @mindofgoatdjLebron couldn’t hold his smile after seeing bronny getting a And one layup lol
quisybaby @IveyMarquisI’ll never get tired of this. Look how proud LeBron is man https://t.co/7JFBiewqSs
jake prosser @jacobpro_We need the Bronny to LeBron lob before the season is over 🥲 https://t.co/1nhpBvEbm0
Deshaun Malik 🏴☠️ @11DeshaunBronny gonna be alright, he’s just hooping and getting better thru the noise
The Lakers’ record improved to 27-19 with the win, including a 11-13 mark on the road. The team is continuing to grapple with the 28-win Denver Nuggets for the No. 4 seed in the West.
Given the spate of injuries, Bronny James could end up sticking with his father’s team rather than returning to the G League as the Lakers prepare for a Saturday trip to take on the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
