The Cavs were outscored 39-27 in the second quarter and came apart late in the fourth, allowing the Lakers to take the 131-120 decision in Cleveland. LeBron James recorded a triple-double in his return home (38 points, 11 rebounds, 12 assists) and the Lakers got 49 from their bench. LA handed out 34 assists and turned it over just eight times in the win. Darius Garland was excellent, scoring 29 and dishing out 16 assists. Lauri Markkanen had 18, Lamar Stevens had 16, and Evan Mobley & Caris LeVert chipped in with 13.
Isaac Okoro was the only other Cav in double figures, scoring 12, while the reserves struggled, with Kevin Love scoring eight and Cedi Osman scoring five.