Both the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors made significant roster upgrades as the 2024-25 NBA trade deadline period officially closed. While the Lakers landed Luka Doncic, the Warriors acquired Jimmy Butler to boost their championship aspirations. The two teams faced each other on Thursday night, with the home side, Los Angeles, coming out on top of Steve Kerr’s side.
The Los Angeles Lakers took a massive 20-point lead after the first two quarters as LeBron James continued his high-scoring first-half game with 23 points. The 40-year-old scored five points in the first quarter, followed by 18 points in the second quarter with four three-point shots. Although Stephen Curry and the Warriors attempted a second-half comeback, the Lakers stayed composed and secured a 120-112 victory.
This marks the Lakers’ third victory over the Warriors this season. The Lakers remain in the fifth spot in the Western Conference standings with a 30-19 record, while the Warriors fell to the 11th spot with a 25-26 record.
LeBron James Misses Michael Jordan’s Record By Just One Point
The four-time NBA MVP, Lebron James, scored his season-high 42 points against the Warriors. Apart from his high-scoring game, the Lakers superstar also recorded a season-high 17 rebounds and eight assists. With his scoring explosion, James joined legendary Michael Jordan as the only 40-year-old player with 40 or more points scored in a game.
CRAZY — LeBron James & Michael Jordan are the only two players in NBA History to score 40 points at 40 years old.
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) February 7, 2025
🐐 x 🐐 pic.twitter.com/w2nORXvqJq
However, LeBron James remained one point short of matching Jordan’s record of the most points by a 40-year-old. Jordan scored 43 points in February 2003 against the New Jersey Nets while playing for the Washington Wizards.
Apart from LeBron, Austin Reaves scored 23 points with 15 made free throws, four assists, and three steals. Gaber Vincent scored 15 points while shooting 5-off-8 from beyond the arc. Jaxson Hayes and Rui Hachimura contributed 11 points each in the Lakers’ fourth straight victory.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NBA stories via Google! Follow Us
On the other hand, Stephen Curry scored a team-high 37 points for the Warriors. Although Curry had a frustrating night, he made just six of his 20 three-point attempts. Buddy Hield scored 15 points with five rebounds and five assists, followed by Draymond Green’s 12 points on 71.4% shooting from the field.
The new addition to the Purple and Gold, Luka Doncic, is expected to make his debut for the Lakers on Saturday when they host the Indiana Pacers. On the other hand, Jimmy Butler could play his first game for the Warriors as soon as Saturday in Chicago.
