The Maui News - Weekender

James has season-high 47 on 38th birthday, Lakers top Hawks 130-121

- By GEORGE HENRY

ATLANTA — LeBron James started this journey 20 years ago, and there are times when he still feels like a kid on the basketball court.

Friday was one of those nights.

James scored a season-high 47 points on his 38th birthday with many of the sellout crowd at State Farm Arena cheering his every move, and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Atlanta Hawks 130-121.

“At 18 years old, I knew how to play the game,” he said. “I knew I belonged in the NBA, but I didn’t know what I could become at 18. But I knew if I continued to put in the work and I continued to reach into the game then I could be one of the greatest players to ever play this game.”

James, a four-time NBA MVP and an 18-time All-Star, finished with 10 rebounds and nine assists. He had 16 points in the second quarter, 13 in the third and 16 in the fourth. James began the game ninth in the league with 27.8 points per game.

The Hawks, who have lost three in row, blew a 15-point lead but regained a 101-100 lead on Aaron Holiday’s 3pointer with 10:50 remaining. James hit a 3 from the right wing to make it 103-101 and Los Angeles never trailed again.

James had his mother Gloria and his wife Savannah sitting courtside for his birthday.

“They’ve been with me since before this 20-year campaign started,” he said. “They’re the rock to everything that I do. To have them there tonight sitting courtside and just being a part of this journey, being here for my birthday, being here for the holidays, it’s pretty cool.”

The Lakers had lost nine of their last 13 but led 120-113 on James’ three-point play with 2:18 to go. Much of the crowd came to its feet roaring as he drew John Collins’ sixth foul and fell down as he hit a baseline layup. He hit the free throw and came back on the next possession with a reverse layup on the baseline that drew the crowd to its feet again.

James added two free throws to make it 130-121 with the crowd chanting, “MVP! MVP!”

“Atlanta has always been kind and welcoming to myself and my teammates no matter what uniform I’ve been in,” James said. “They’ve always respected the game.”

Thomas Bryant had 19 points and a season-high 17 rebounds, and Russell Westbrook had 14 points and 11 assists.

“He was just locked in,” Westbrook said. “He’s capable of doing things at an elite level for a long time as well all know. It’s just good to witness it.”

Trae Young led the Hawks with 29 points and Dejounte Murray had 20.

 ?? AP photo ?? Lakers forward LeBron James drives against Hawks forward Onyeka Okongwu during the first half of Los Angeles’ 130-121 win over Atlanta on Friday.
AP photo Lakers forward LeBron James drives against Hawks forward Onyeka Okongwu during the first half of Los Angeles’ 130-121 win over Atlanta on Friday.

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