Royal comeback: LeBron James takes over in fourth, Lakers erase 21-point 4Q lead to stun Clippers

Lebron James scored 19 of his 34 points in the final period and the LA Lakers rallied from 19 points down entering the final frame to take down crosstown rivals Clippers, 116–112, in the latest battle of Los Angeles.

Entered the fourth down 19. Left with the W. pic.twitter.com/mT4SiJaa1D

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 29, 2024

James added six rebounds, eight assists, and seven three-pointers in 37 minutes of action, as his much-needed dime to Rui Hachimura’s corner triple gave the Lakers their first taste of the lead since the opening quarter, 109-106.

Rui corner three puts the Lakers up 3, cutting a 21-point deficit on ESPN! pic.twitter.com/SbIXV9BBC0

— NBA (@NBA) February 29, 2024

Anthony Davis had another solid double-double of 20 markers and 12 boards, while D’Angelo Russell and Hachimura chipped in 18 and 17 respectively.

The final two minutes of the game went down the wire with the two teams exchanging baskets. Russell hit a three-pointer with 1:12 seconds left to give the Lakers a six-point cushion, 114-108.

Mood. pic.twitter.com/M2iHqQLcXX

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 29, 2024

Kawhi Leonard then connected back-to-back baskets in a span of 34 seconds to cut the lead to two points, 114-112. After James missed a jumper, the Clippers had a chance to win or tie the game, but Leonard’s fadeaway jumper fell short.

Leonard led the Clippers, who played without Paul George (left knee soreness) and Ivica Zubac (illness), with 26 points. Harden had 23 points and nine assists.

They built their largest lead at 21 points early in the fourth period via a Mason Plumlee basket, 99-78 with 11:45 seconds left. However, the Tyronn Lue-mentored squad were outscored, 39-16, in the final 12 minutes.

With the win, the Lakers are back in the ninth spot in the West behind a 32-28 record, as Clippers absorbed their second straight loss and fell to fourth with a 37-20 slate.