Lebron leads the way for LA Lakers

Lebron James starred as the Los Angeles Lakers took a 2-1 lead in their Western Conference first-round play-off series against the Portland Trail Blazers.

Jamesfinishedthe116-108 victory with 38 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists as the Lakers restricted Portland’s high-scoring style for the second game in a row. Anthony Davis supported James with 29 points – 12 in the last quarter – to help LA pull away after being ahead by only three points with nine minutes left.

Damian Lillard scored 34 points for the Trail Blazers, while CJ Mccollum finished with 28.

James’ closest rival for the MVP award, Giannis Antetokounmpo, was just as dominant in leading the Milwaukee Bucks to their own 2-1 series lead over the Orlando Magic.

Antetokounmpo had 35 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists as the Eastern Conference top seeds claimed a convincing 121107 win. Khris Middleton had 17 points, eight rebounds and six assists for the Bucks, while DJ Augustin led Orlando with 24 points.

The Oklahoma City Thunder got back to 2-1 behind in their series with the Houston Rockets with a 119-107 overtime win.

James Harden scored 38 points for the Rockets but fouled out – for the first time this season – in the first minute of overtime.

In his absence, the Thunder scored the first 12 points of OT to set up the win. Dennis Schroder ended with 29 points.