LeBron James is no longer a member of the Los Angeles Lakers, but he made his mark on the franchise during his eight years with it. He consistently played at a high level during that time, even if certain aspects of his game had clearly slipped, and he delivered an NBA championship in 2020.
As we take a look at James’ greatest performances as a member of the Lakers in chronological order, we go back to the first round of the 2020 NBA Playoffs when the team was looking to put away the Portland Trail Blazers and advance.
Knocking Out Rip City
By the time the 2020 playoffs started in the Walt Disney World Resort bubble, the Lakers had established themselves as solid championship favorites. But they lost their postseason opener to the Trail Blazers, 100-93, casting a bit of doubt on whether they were truly ready to go all the way.
They won each of the next three games to take a 3-1 series lead, but Portland had more talent than the typical eighth seed, and it put up a fight in Game 5.
It ended the first quarter down by just four points and played to a 68-all tie at halftime. James scored 24 points in the first half to keep Los Angeles afloat, as CJ McCollum had 21 points and Carmelo Anthony scored 18 points for the Trail Blazers by halftime.
The Lakers surged ahead by 14 points in the third quarter as Anthony Davis scored 20 points, but Portland fought back and tied the game at 109. However, they were able to hold Portland off an earn a 131-122 series-clinching victory.
James made 14 of his 19 field-goal attempts and four of his seven 3-point tries, giving him 36 points. He also tallied 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Davis dominated with 43 points on 14-of-18 shooting, nine rebounds and four assists.
Los Angeles would go on to handle the Houston Rockets, Denver Nuggets and Miami Heat in the following rounds to earn the Larry O’Brien Trophy and end a tumultuous season with basketball’s grand prize.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: LeBron James’ greatest games with the Lakers: Knocking out Rip City
Reporting by Robert Marvi, LeBron Wire / LeBron Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Robert Marvi, LeBron Wire | USA TODAY Network
