Los Angeles Lakers lost 129-99 to the Cleveland Cavaliers on the night that LeBron James, who became the first player in NBA history to reach 60,000 minutes in the regular season, broke down in tears at Rocket Arena during a timeout.
It could be the last time he played in Cleveland
With 7:46 left in the first quarter, the Cavs showed a video of ‘King James scoring 25 straight points in Game 5 of the 2007 Eastern Conference Finals against the Pistons.
Cleveland is now Donovan Mitchell’s city
“It could be the last time I’ve played in Cleveland,” LeBron said after the game, opening the door to his retirement at the end of the season.
A disastrous third quarter condemned the Lakers in Cleveland
Donovan Mitchell (25 points), Jaylon Tyson (20 points), De’Andre Hunter (19 points) and Jarrett Allen (17 points) gave no chance to the Lakers, who collapsed in the third quarter (42-22) and ruined LeBron’s return to Cleveland.
The game was tied at 57-57 when the Cavaliers went on a decisive 25-8 run
Jaylon Tyson said after the game that “this is Donovan Mitchell’s city now”.
LeBron James’ worst game in Cleveland as a visitor
LeBron James (41 years old) was held to 11 points (3 of 10 from the field) in 27 minutes, the first time in his 13 visits to Cleveland as an opponent that he has been held below 20 points.
“Every arena I go to I try to enjoy it, I don’t take anything for granted. I haven’t decided anything about my future
It is also ‘King’ James’ worst defeat as a visitor to Ohio
“Every arena I go to, I try to enjoy it, I don’t take anything for granted. I haven’t decided anything about my future, but I don’t care if it’s here, in Washington, at the TD Garden, at the Barclays Center, it’s fantastic. I grew up 35 minutes south of here (Cleveland),” LeBron told a press conference.
Doncic was injured in the first quarter and finished the game with 29 points
Luka Doncic led the Lakers with 29 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists, despite suffering an injury in the first quarter.
“I didn’t see the play, I know he twisted his ankle falling
In the first quarter, Doncic missed six minutes of the game when he had to go to the locker room after slipping while shooting a three-pointer
“I didn’t see the play, I know he twisted his ankle falling. There’s been a number of injuries in this stadium because of the track,” said JJ Redick.
Deandre Ayton (10 points) and Gabe Vincent (11 points) were the other Lakers players in double figures.
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