LeBron Hits 12,000 Assists as Lakers Dominate Suns for Playoff Advantage

LeBron Hits 12,000 Assists as Lakers Dominate Suns for Playoff Advantage

LeBron James achieved a remarkable milestone by recording his 12,000th career assist during the Los Angeles Lakers' impressive 101-73 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Friday night. This win not only marked a significant personal achievement for James but also clinched home-court advantage for the first round of the playoffs. The 41-year-old superstar showcased his brilliance with 28 points, 12 assists, and six rebounds, demonstrating his resilience on the second night of a back-to-back. By the end of the game, James' assist tally stood at 12,010, making him only the fourth player in NBA history to reach this milestone. This victory was the Lakers' second consecutive win and their 15th in 19 games, placing them in a strong position for the third or fourth seed in the Western Conference with a record of 52-29. Despite missing injured stars Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, the team remained competitive, trailing Denver (53-28) by just one game. Key contributions came from: Luke Kennard: 19 points Rui Hachimura: 13 points James ignited the game with 14 points in the first quarter and continued to lead with six points and seven assists in the second half, ensuring the Lakers maintained a firm grip on the game. At halftime, Los Angeles led 57-48. James scored a layup late in the third quarter to extend the lead to 17, followed by a steal and a powerful dunk, pushing the margin to 79-60. The Lakers entered the fourth quarter ahead 81-64 and extended their lead to 29 points, while the Suns struggled offensively, scoring only nine points in the final quarter on 4-of-21 shooting. Despite their struggles, the Suns remain seventh in the Western standings, having already secured a spot in the play-in tournament. Devin Booker rested his injured right ankle, and Jalen Green sat out due to knee soreness, contributing to the Suns' disappointing performance. Overall, while the Lakers faced injury challenges, Marcus Smart returned with six points and seven assists, highlighting the team's resolve as they gear up for the playoffs.

Source: The Independent Sport - 2026-04-11