LeBron James returns, tows Lakers past Clippers in OT

MANILA, Philippines – It had been more than a month since LeBron James suited up for the purple and gold, yet the four-time MVP  was quickly back in his old ways. 

James finished just an assist-shy of a triple-double to power the Los Angeles Lakers past the LA Clippers in overtime, 123-120, in the NBA on Thursday, January 31 (Friday, February 1, Manila time).

Back after missing 17 games due to a groin injury, James pumped in 24 points – including the go-ahead bucket in the extra period that shattered a 118-118 deadlock – on top of 14 rebounds and 9 assists.

Lance Stephenson also came through with a 20-point performance capped by a three-point play that kept the Lakers up, 123-118.

Clippers guard Lou Williams tried to force another overtime but missed a potential game-tying triple at the buzzer. 

@KingJames puts up 24 PTS, 14 REB, 9 AST, leading the @Lakers to victory in his return to action! #LakeShow pic.twitter.com/tNQvfJD7xl

— NBA (@NBA) February 1, 2019

Williams shot 24 points to lead the Clippers, who came back from 14 points down in the 4th quarter to force overtime. 

Still down by 7 points in the last two minutes of regulation, Tobias Harris capped the comeback by knocking in a three-pointer with 35 seconds left to forge the extra period,  112-112.

The Lakers, who lost 11 of 17 games without James, upped their record to 26-25 in the Western Conference.

Brandon Ingram added 19 points and Rajon Rondo had a double-double of 14 points and 13 rebounds for the Lakers.

The Clippers, just a notch higher than the Lakers at 8th place, slipped to 28-23.

Luke Walton talks about the returns of LeBron James and Kyle Kuzma to the #LakeShow lineup as they got the OT win over the Clippers. pic.twitter.com/psLNIghZ1A

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 1, 2019

– Rappler.com