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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:
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.
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.
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Bronny gets a TOUGH and-1‼️😤
LeBron’s reaction was too wholesome 😂 pic.twitter.com/16Ec4TAnRJ
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.
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