The Los Angeles Lakers faced off against the Memphis Grizzlies in an incredibly important Game 4 matchup. As usual, the Lakers relied on LeBron James to help lead them to a victory, and he certainly did not disappoint.
James made a number of big shots to keep the Lakers in a very close game at the end of regulation.
Memphis had a two-point lead with just 6.7 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. But as LeBron James has done so many times in his legendary career, he tied the game with a clutch layup to force overtime.
LEBRON JAMES TIES IT IN THE FINAL MOMENTS.
MEM/LAL HEADING TO OVERTIME ON TNT 🗣 pic.twitter.com/mSagnUs8NM
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2023
His impressive play carried over to overtime, where he made another clutch basket to help seal the victory. With a three-point lead, James finished a layup with Dillon Brooks on him to give the Lakers a five-point lead that they would not relinquish.
LeBron James. Good at basketball. 👀 pic.twitter.com/OOrSkQzfI2
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) April 25, 2023
His final stat line put him in some rare company in terms of great performances in NBA Playoffs history. He finished the game with 22 points along with 20 rebounds and seven assists.
This marks the first time that a Lakers player has recorded a 20-20 game in the postseason since Shaquille O’Neal in 2004. He is also the oldest player to do so in NBA history.
LeBron James, playing in the 1,693st game of his career between the regular season, play-in and playoffs, has grabbed 20 rebounds for the first time.
He's the first Lakers player with a 20-20 game in the playoffs since Shaquille O'Neal in 2004.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) April 25, 2023
Doing this in his 20th NBA season is absolutely unreal, and the NBA world had plenty to say about this unbelievable stat.
LEBRON JAMES, 1ST LAKER SINCE SHAQ IN 2004 WITH 20 PTS & 20 REB IN A PLAYOFF GAME!#PLAYOFFMODE ACTIVATED pic.twitter.com/DZH5PO7Z6P
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2023
At 38 years, 115 days old, LeBron James is the oldest player ever with a 20-point, 20-rebound game, including regular season and playoffs 💪 pic.twitter.com/SFtynibd24
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 25, 2023
LeBron James (38 years, 115 days old) becomes the oldest player in NBA history to record 20+ points and 20+ rebounds in a Playoff Game.
Wilt Chamberlain (36 years, 262 days old) set the previous record on May 10, 1973. #PLAYOFFMODE pic.twitter.com/3FO4jxSuTl
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2023
LeBron James at 38-years-old:
22 points
20 rebounds
7 assists
45 minutesAPPRECIATE GREATNESS. 👑 pic.twitter.com/6C4ewRaiQm
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) April 25, 2023
LEBRON JAMES TONIGHT:
20 Points
22 Rebounds
7 Assists
2 Blocks45 (!!!) minutes. 👑 pic.twitter.com/G1rP1ZZtkH
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) April 25, 2023
More importantly for Lakers fans is that they were able to come away with a huge victory to take a 3-1 lead in the series over the Grizzlies. They will look to close them out in Game 5 when the two teams face off on Wednesday night.
