LeBron James said he joined the Los Angeles Lakers to playing “meaningful playoff basketball” in front of Lakers fans and Thursday night he finally got his chance.
James scored 21 points and dished out nine assists as the Lakers held off a late rally from the Phoenix Suns to earn a 109-95 victory in Game 3 of their Western Conference first-round series at the Staples Center to take a 2-1 series lead.
“It’s a beautiful thing,” James said. “It was a special night, and we just tried to reward our fans for the loyalty they have for us, and just try to play the game the right way.