“There’s no words” for LeBron James’ brilliance after his 56-point haul in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 124-116 win over the Golden State Warriors, according to head coach Frank Vogel.
James almost single-handedly hauled the Lakers over the line, rallying from a half-time deficit with a 35-22 fourth quarter to end their four-game losing run.
The four-time NBA MVP’s 56 points was his most as a Laker and tied for the third most in a single game in his storied 19-year career.
James labelled it a “desperation” win after the game, shooting 19-of-31 from the field along with six-of-11 from beyond the arc, with 10 rebounds and three assists.
“There’s no words for it,” Vogel told reporters after the game. “An incredible performance by the best to ever do it in my opinion.”
James’ 56-point haul meant he became the fourth player aged 37 or older to score 50 or more points in a single game, alongside Michael Jordan (2001), Kobe Bryant (2016) and Jamal Crawford (2019).
“It’s just remarkable, his will,” Vogel added. “What he’s done to transition his game to this stage of his career, in terms of his shooting, it’s an example to every player to put the work into his craft.
“it’s just remarkable to be doing it at this stage in his career.”
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr added: “He was brilliant tonight. LeBron was amazing.”
The win improves the Lakers’ record to 28-35, sitting ninth in the Western Conference ahead of the final stretch of games before the playoffs.
“It feels like earlier in the season when we first lost Anthony [Davis], we lost five in a row, we were in an adjustment phase and trying to figure it out,” Vogel said. “Hopefully this is the win that changes that momentum.”