LeBron James scores season-high 40 points in Los Angeles Lakers’ win over Oklahoma City Thunder

LeBron James once again proved his seemingly ageless credentials, as he scored a season-high 40 points on Saturday, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 129-120 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder.

LeBron James once again proved that age is just a number as he scored a season-high 40 points on Saturday to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 129-120 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. The 38-year-old produced an offensive masterclass as he became the first player in their 21st NBA season to record a 40-point game, going 13-for-20 from the field, including making all five of his threes. He also added seven rebounds and seven assists. “We needed this win,” James, who turns 39 in a week, said afterward, per ESPN. “We didn’t want to end the road trip in a losing effort. To come in here to play versus a team that’s been playing extremely well throughout this season, it was a big win for us.” After a four-game losing streak, this had been labelled a “must win” game for the Lakers by Anthony Davis and coach Darvin Ham altered the starting lineup in an attempt to strengthen the defense beforehand. It was a decision that paid dividends, with Ham later paying tribute to “that size and physicality out there,” as the Lakers overpowered the Thunder to lead by 12 at the break. D’Angelo Russell, who had been moved to the bench, contributed 15 points in 18 minutes, while Davis added 26 points and Rui Hachimura 21 points.