LeBron James Lifts Lakers With Vintage 10-Point Fourth Quarter Run

LeBron James delivered a vintage performance to push the Los Angeles Lakers past the Philadelphia 76ers, 112-108, on Sunday night. Just one game after failing to reach double-digit scoring for the first time in 17 years, the 40-year-old superstar erupted for 10 straight points in the fourth quarter, proving he remains one of the NBA’s greatest closers.
James finished with 29 points on 12-of-17 shooting, adding seven rebounds and six assists while sealing the win with a crucial defensive stop on Philadelphia’s final possession. His late-game burst came after a difficult night in Toronto, where he shot 4-for-17 and saw his historic streak of 1,297 consecutive double-digit games end.
“Feels good to feel like myself again,” James said after the win. “My body takes a little longer at 40 to get into rhythm.”
Playing in only his seventh game of the season due to sciatica, James appeared fully in control against a Sixers team wearing the classic Allen Iverson-era black uniforms — the same design worn when LeBron entered the league in 2003. His fadeaway jumper with 27.4 seconds left put L.A. up five and prompted a celebration mixing his modern crown gesture with his iconic “silencer” move.
James’ performance was essential on a night when Luka Doncic (fresh off a transatlantic flight after the birth of his daughter) and Austin Reaves (3-for-16 shooting) struggled to find their rhythm. Despite jet lag, Doncic still produced a 31-point triple-double with 15 rebounds and 11 assists.
“Vintage Bron,” Doncic said. “He saved us.”
Deandre Ayton added 14 points and 12 rebounds while holding Joel Embiid to a shocking 4-for-21 shooting night. The victory lifted the Lakers to 17-6, placing them second in the Western Conference, and moved James past Robert Parish for second-most regular-season wins in NBA history (1,015).
“For me, these moments never get old,” James said. “The arena, the energy — you can’t get that back once it’s gone.”