Lakers Highlights: LA Outlasts Cavs in LeBron's Welcome Home Game

This was a nail-biter.

In the first of a four-game road trip for your Lakers, they've escaped with a 121-115 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. 

This was a close game throughout, as neither team lead by more than 8. Both units struggled from behind the arc, with LA shooting 33% and Cleveland shooting 32% on 27 and 28 attempts respectively. 

Cavs All-Star guard Darius Garland was ruled out with a neck injury around midway through the game, which definitely helped the Lakers quite a bit. 

It was clear that down the stretch, the absence of Garland resulted in turnovers, missed opportunities, and less shot creation than what they'd normally have gotten. 

For LA, Anthony Davis had 32 points, 13 rebounds, and 3 blocks, while LeBron James and Austin Reaves combined for an additional 37 points and 16 assists. 

The bench was great today, with Christian Wood and Jaxson Hayes combining for 23 points on 10-12 shooting, with Hayes in particular possessing a +/- of 14, leading Los Angeles. 

This analysis by Kevin O'Connor of the Ringer is also worth taking a look at: 

Max Christie was amazing tonight. Fit right in on offense and played lockdown defense. Made it hard on Donovan Mitchell.

Between Christie, Cam Reddish, and Jarred Vanderbilt the Lakers have some great options for wing defense. pic.twitter.com/MV0QItPBhR

— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) November 26, 2023

For Cleveland, Donovan Mitchell was not good, shooting 4/18. Big men Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley, however, were great, as they combined for 39 points on 17/24 shooting from the field to go along with 20 rebounds and 10 stocks (steals and blocks). 

Here are some of LA's top plays on the day: 

L3Bron 💧 pic.twitter.com/2ZsTv90TYW

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) November 26, 2023

And, accounting for context, here is arguably the Lakers' top play of the day: 

LEBRON FLUSHES IT 👑 pic.twitter.com/5DGDnsJz8H

— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) November 26, 2023

This was a major road win for the Lakers, who will next take on a tough Philadelphia 76ers squad on Monday night. 

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