The Associated Press’s Noah Trister
Washington The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Washington Wizards 134-96 on Thursday night, and LeBron James finished with 24 points and 11 assists before taking a break for the final quarter.
Even on the road, the audience was thrilled when James sat out and his son Bronny played the whole fourth quarter, scoring a career-high five points.
Washington tied a team record with their 16th straight loss. The Wizards have dropped that many straight games for the second time this season.
Despite the fact that the Lakers were without Anthony Davis due to a strained abdominal muscle, this game was never close after the first few minutes. Alex Sarr, a rookie, was sidelined due to a sprained left ankle.
After losing to Philadelphia by 14 points on Tuesday, Los Angeles has bounced back to win five of six games.
Just over a week ago, the Lakers defeated the Wizards 111-88, but this was their most lopsided victory of the season.
Los Angeles rookie Dalton Knecht was ejected after being penalized for two technical fouls, reportedly for arguing, with 1:25 left and the Lakers leading 39.
With 19 points, Jordan Poole led the Wizards.
Takeaways
Lakers: Los Angeles was likely pleased to give LeBron James the fourth quarter off with a significant lead because he was doubtful due to left foot concerns.
Wizards: At the break, Washington was behind 78-45, the most points the Wizards have given up in the first half this season.
Key moment
Long before Bronny James entered, the audience was chanting for him. With 2:48 remaining, he was fouled by Tristan Vukcevic and converted a driving layup to finally get into the scoring column after shooting 1 of 6 from the floor. James made a three-point play by converting the free throw.
In the first half of an NBA basketball game on Thursday, January 30, 2025, in Washington, guard Jordan Poole (13) of the Washington Wizards attempts a shot against forward Rui Hachimura (28) of the Los Angeles Lakers. (Photo by Jessica Rapfogel/AP)
Key stat
According to Sportradar, the Wizards became the seventh club to lose at least 16 games in a row on several occasions within a season.
Up next
The Lakers’ road trip consists of two more games. On Saturday, they play in New York. On Saturday night, Washington travels to Minnesota.
https://apnews.com/hub/nba is the AP NBA.
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