LeBron James lifts Lakers fans with Performance vs. Blazers With Anthony Davis Out | News, results, highlights, stats and rumours

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LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 2: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up before the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on January 2, 2025 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that by downloading and/or using this photograph, User consents to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)

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Without Anthony Davis against the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday, LeBron James stepped up for the Los Angeles Lakers.

In his second game at 40, James looked more like the younger version of himself who was an MVP candidate year after year. The star had 27 points heading into the fourth quarter and led the way for the Lakers as they looked to make it six wins in their last eight games.

James was especially hot from deep, hitting six of his first eight attempts en route to the big scoring night. The Lakers will need him to continue to find his shot from range if they want to compete for a championship this year.

After the dominant play from James, fans praised him for continuing to play at a high level this far into his career.

SHARK NUT @WHARKNUT

lebron is so tough

Haze @oDraaz

new year and lebron still the goat what a life

NSK_Vybz00 #SURVIVEDTENHAG @VybzUTD

Lebron got 27 in the 3rd wow

Yonce’s child @KweenReee

LEBRON AGAIN!

Montrice Chambers @montriceee_11

LeBron goes OFF tonight

Chris Cooley @Chris_culley

When LeBron hits his 3’s like this there is literally nothing you can do with him except hope he keeps shooting, they get tired and start missing #LakeShow

ɴᴏᴛ @georgemican

LeBron James: 6/8 3P
Trail Blazers: 6/18 3P

Deweeezzyyy @Dwarf_Coconut

Lebron James

‏ @xinnnzxx

lebron is 40 with a 71% fg percentage

James, in his 22nd season in the NBA, has shed his athleticism over the years, which makes sense given his age, but he has continued to add to his game and keep Los Angeles in the mix. He is averaging 23.4 points, 8.9 assists and 7.7 boards per game this year.

If the Lakers can get performances like Thursday’s from James when Davis is back on the court, they could emerge as a Finals contender.