LeBron James, despite a first-quarter injury scare, scored 32 points, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 122-119 victory over the Phoenix Suns in the NBA In-Season Tournament opener.
The 38-year-old veteran, in his 21st season, showcased his brilliance, shooting 11 of 17 from the field, including 3 of 4 from beyond the arc, with 11 rebounds and six assists in 36 minutes.
During a critical juncture, James opted to pass rather than shoot, providing the ball to Cam Reddish, whose three-pointer with 1:10 left in the fourth quarter secured a 118-113 lead for the Lakers.
“To all the naysayers and basketball savants that don’t know nothing about basketball and telling me I should’ve shot that shot in Miami instead of passing to Cam Reddish, well I did the same thing tonight because I trust my teammates. I make the right play every single time. And the game ball goes to Cam Reddish for sure,” James said, per Brad Botkin of CBS Sports.
