LeBron James and Lakers defeat Suns, stay in hunt

The ball is back in LeBron James’ fingers, and he’s thriving in his “new” position as the Lakers’ major caretaker.

James is in this place in the wake of accidents to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. He had been the third option behind Doncic and Reaves, and he shifted back to a position he has been accustomed to taking part in over his 23-year profession.

James has been a drive over the last three video games, with his latest standout efficiency coming Friday evening in the Lakers’ 101-73 win over the Phoenix Suns at Crypto.com Arena.

James completed with 28 factors, 12 assists and six rebounds to help the Lakers secure at least the No. 4 seed in the uber-tough Western Conference.

The Lakers still have a shot at the third seed if they beat the Utah Jazz at home on Sunday and if the third-place Denver Nuggets lose at San Antonio on Sunday, the ultimate day of the common season. Because the Lakers gained the tiebreaker over the Nuggets, they’d get the upper seed over Denver if the 2 groups end with similar information.

Whoever the Lakers face in the playoffs, coach JJ Redick believes groups need to face his group because of their accidents. Doncic and Reaves are usually not anticipated back for the first-round of the postseason.

The Lakers, however, do still have James — and he has been masterful.

James was 10 for 16 from the sphere against the Suns and two for two from three-point vary.

Over his last three video games in this new position, James has averaged 24.6 factors, 12.6 assists and 7.6 rebounds, capturing 60% from the sphere and 46% from three-point vary.

He was on level from the starting against the Suns.

James rapidly went by a defender on a back-door cut, took a move from Luke Kennard and threw down a two-handed, rim-rattling dunk. James flexed in entrance of his teammates on the bench, who stood to give their approval. The Suns called time out with 4 minutes and 53 seconds left in the first quarter, giving the followers more time to admire what James was still in a position to do at 41 years outdated.

The Lakers are 52-29 and are assured they’ll be prepared to face any opponent in the playoffs.

“I’m sure everybody wants to play us. Let’s get that out there, like, everybody wants to play us,” Redick said before the sport. “Probably teams that are in a position where they can start looking forward to potential second-round matchups as well. … Again, I’ll say what I told the team yesterday, what I told you guys after the game, we have to figure out the formula and the belief for this group to be successful. And so that’s our focus for tonight and that’s going to be our focus on Sunday.”

Notes: Lakers backup heart Jaxson Hayes missed his third straight sport with left foot soreness, but he has been making progress. “Hope to have him back Sunday,” Redick said. “But yeah, he’s still day to day.” … The Lakers waived guard Kobe Bufkin. It means the Lakers have a roster spot out there to signal another participant for the playoffs. “We’re evaluating all the options we have,” Redick said. … Marcus Smart, who had missed 9 straight video games with a proper ankle contusion, had six factors in 18 minutes.