The Big Picture Demanded Smart Play, the Small Picture Demanded Tougher
Lakers’ Victory Over Trail Blazers
The big picture demanded the Lakers be smart; the small picture demanded the Lakers play a little tougher Thursday night. With Anthony Davis missing most of the game due to a lingering sprained left ankle and Gabe Vincent still recovering from an oblique strain, the team needed a big night from someone they rely on and a career night from someone they’re starting to rely on.
LeBron James and Max Christie Combine for 66 Points
LeBron James and Max Christie combined to score 66 points, with Christie finishing with a career-best 28 points, in the Lakers’ 114-106 win over the Trail Blazers. "Tonight was a career night for me," Christie said, "so this is something that I want to hang on to and try to replicate as much as possible."
James’ Season-High Seven Three-Pointers
James made a season-high seven three-pointers, needing only 10 attempts, on his way to 38 points. He also had a spectacular game on defense, cementing his place as the team’s shooting guard.
Christie’s Career Night
Christie, who’s been putting in the work, had a spectacular night on both ends of the floor, hitting five threes and aggressively cutting off the ball with the Portland defense focused on James and Austin Reaves. "He’s putting in the work and it’s paying off for him and [we] got coaches who believe in him," James said. "We believe in him, and he was spectacular tonight on both ends of the floor."
Leadership and Experience
James turned 40 this week, and Christie won’t turn 22 until February. On a night like Thursday with Davis resting, the Lakers needed James to have a big game. "AD’s our No.1, No. 2 option," James said. "And so when he’s out, we all have to step up our game, including myself."
A Big Game for James
James’ 38-point game tied him with Michael Jordan for most 30-point games in NBA history. It was also the third-most points ever scored by a player after turning 40 (behind two Jordan games). James was also the second-oldest player ever to make seven threes in a game (Vince Carter did that when he was 42).
Conclusion
The Lakers’ win was a testament to the team’s depth and resilience. With key players out, they relied on James and Christie to step up and lead the way. As James said, "We want him aggressive, shot-ready for three just as much as we want him aggressive to get downhill and put pressure on the rim."
FAQs
Q: What was the final score of the game?
A: The final score was 114-106 in favor of the Lakers.
Q: Who scored the most points for the Lakers?
A: LeBron James and Max Christie combined for 66 points, with James scoring 38 and Christie scoring 28.
Q: What was the significance of James’ 38-point game?
A: It tied him with Michael Jordan for most 30-point games in NBA history and was the third-most points ever scored by a player after turning 40.
