LeBron’s Historic 20-20 Leads Lakers to Game 4 OT Win Over Grizzlies

LeBron James delivered down the stretch to give Los Angeles a 3–1 series lead.

The Grizzlies were 6.7 seconds away from heading back home to Memphis with a tied series. Then, as he’s done time and time again, LeBron James came through in the clutch.

James sunk a game-tying layup with 0.8 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, then spearheaded a tough overtime performance to give the Lakers a 117–111 victory and a 3–1 series lead. James finished the game with 22 points, 20 rebounds and seven assists, becoming the first Lakers player with 20 points and 20 rebounds in a postseason game since Shaquille O’Neal in 2004. The game marked the first time in James’s career—regular season or playoffs—that he grabbed 20 rebounds.

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KING JAMES 👑

(via @NBA)pic.twitter.com/6BxeobgDmw

— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) April 25, 2023

James’s ability to deliver in the game’s biggest moments—while playing a team-high 45 minutes—in his 20th NBA season makes his performance that much more impressive. In addition to the scoring and rebounding, he also drew two charges against Grizzlies guard Ja Morant in the fourth quarter as Los Angeles was mounting its comeback effort.

Memphis held a 97–90 lead with under five minutes to play when Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell made three-pointers on three straight possessions, keying a personal 9–0 run over the course of one minute to give Los Angeles the lead. Russell finished with 17 points before fouling out in the fourth quarter.

James’s heroics and the fact that the No. 7 seed Lakers now hold a 3–1 lead in the series prompted lots of reactions from the late-night NBA audience. Here are some of the best of the bunch.

No words. pic.twitter.com/b9fANVM2AH

— D'Angelo Russell (@Dloading) April 25, 2023

Lakers with a 20/20 playoff game:

— Wilt
— Shaq
— Kareem
— Baylor

And now, LeBron. pic.twitter.com/vx6Rl5vXLx

— StatMuse (@statmuse) April 25, 2023

LeBron and Jimmy tonight pic.twitter.com/biXAnkvzy4

— Paolo Uggetti (@PaoloUggetti) April 25, 2023

DILLON BROOKS WOKE UP FEELING DANGEROUS 😳😳😳

1-7 3PM 💦💦💦

5 fouls 🔥🔥🔥

0 chance of guarding LeBron 💯💯💯 pic.twitter.com/HoSCJfIQe2

— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) April 25, 2023

I went to that game - what a special LeBron performance that was. Cooking Brooks for the clincher at the end was perfect. Memorable night. I can’t believe he’s still doing it at this level.

— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) April 25, 2023

you wanted LeBron, Dillon, you got em!https://t.co/pU9Em4dJRC pic.twitter.com/AQLMiR8Bk9

— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) April 25, 2023

Shannon Sharpe celebrating Bron and the Lakers pic.twitter.com/grj6rzFF9b

— Lakers Daily (@LakersDailyCom) April 25, 2023

Lakers fans after winning in OT: https://t.co/hLUnSmaWHl

— The Pettiest Laker Fan 🤫 (@ThePettiestLA) April 25, 2023

LAKERS TAKE 3-1 LEAD ON GRIZZLIES 🚨 pic.twitter.com/nrQa87b6Bt

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 25, 2023