It took LeBron James all of one game to save the Lakers and keep their hopes of avoiding the play-in tournament alive.
“It is going to take time to get his timing back to 100%, but for most of the game he looked good,” Lakers coach Frank Vogel said. “He looked like his old self again.”
James tallied 24 points in his return after missing six straight games, lifting the Lakers to a 122-115 road win over the Pacers. If the Lakers beat the Pelicans on Sunday and the Trail Blazers lose to the Nuggets, LA will earn the West’s sixth seed and not have to participate in the play-in tournament.
“I felt good coming into the game,” said James, who has been sidelined with a high ankle sprain. “I think each game I’ll get better and better. It will take a few games to get it all back.”
More on the Lakers
- Our Rob Parks offered a full recap of the game, making note of Anthony Davis, who also had a productive night after a one-game absence. Check it out here.
- Point guard Dennis Schroder returned after missing seven games because of the NBA’s safety and health protocol. Schroder finished with 14 points Schroder said he is definitely plans to play Sunday.
- The Lakers-Pelicans game has been picked up by NBA TV. Tipoff is schedule for 9 p.m. EST.
