In a rematch of the 2023 Conference Semi-Finals, the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors clashed in a premier Western showdown. Thanks to big performances from stars on both sides, the game was highly competitive and went into double overtime after multiple clutch shots were exchanged down the stretch. By the end, it was the Lakers who came out with the win (final score 145-144), moving up to 24-23 on the season while the Warriors slid to 19-24.
These two teams have developed one of the fiercest rivalries in the West thanks to their meet-up in the playoffs and the history between LeBron James and Stephen Curry. After battling in the second round last spring, the expectation was that these teams would be near the top of the West again. Instead, they’ve both been mediocre at best and look to be on track for an early exit in the postseason — if they make it in at all.
Stephen Curry was awesome with 46 points in the loss, but LeBron James, of course, was the biggest story of the night. He finished with 36 points, 20 rebounds, and 12 assists for a historic triple-double and once again elevated his team to an impressive victory.
NBA Fans React
Neither the Warriors nor the Lakers are in a good spot right now, but you’d have never known it watching the game tonight. Both teams were on fire offensively and their stars had it cooking with some big-time performances. On social media, Lakers fans were buzzing with reactions and while it was a frustrating game overall they were still able to come out with the win in what many are calling the game of the year.
LEBRON WINS IT WITH 2 CLUTCH FREE THROWS 🚨
FINAL IN DOUBLE OT: Lakers 145, Warriors 144
LBJ: 36p, 20r (career high), 12a
Steph: 46p (9 threes) pic.twitter.com/nEpTsndotp
— NBA (@NBA) January 28, 2024
LAKERS WIN IN DOUBLE OVERTIME! 🗣️
LeBron: 36 PTS | 20 REB | 12 AST
AD: 29 PTS | 13 REB | 4 BLK
Dlo: 28 PTS (5-8 3PM) | 5 AST | 2 STL
Reaves: 17 PTS | 6 AST | 2 STL
Vando: 14 PTS | 9 REB | 5 AST | 4 STL
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) January 28, 2024
At the very least, the game was the latest bit of evidence in James’ GOAT campaign, and proof that he remains one of the best players in the world at almost 40 years old.
Lebron is just absolutely insane. My goat forever 💯🫡
— Hollywood Picks 📸⭐️ (@hollywood_picks) January 28, 2024
LeBron hitting the game-winning free throw on the Warriors pic.twitter.com/7yxju1chaP
— Josiah Johnson (@KingJosiah54) January 28, 2024
For the Warriors, only time will tell how they’re able to bounce back from tonight’s loss but it’s been a constant struggle for them this season as they aim to re-take the form that won the title just a few years ago.
I’m sick.
— TheWarriorsTalk (@TheWarriorsTalk) January 28, 2024
It was a pretty eventful game all things considered and while other teams may be favored in the West right now, these veteran clubs cannot be ignored just based on what we saw from them last season alone.
LeBron Is On A Historic Tear
LeBron James was going off for the Lakers tonight and it really cannot the understated how unprecedented his play has been. Not only did LeBron score a 30-point triple-double tonight, but he also recorded a career-high 20 rebounds. In the end, it was still barely enough to squeeze by the Warriors but the Lakers needed every bit of his production tonight and he was able to deliver just like he has all season long.
At 39 years old, the King is playing some of the best basketball of his life with averages of 24.8 points, 7.5 assists, and 7.1 rebounds per game on 52.0% shooting. The Lakers must do whatever it takes to build a contender around this guy, or they could lose their last chance to win a title for the foreseeable future.
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