LOS ANGELES (REUTERS) – LeBron James erupted for a game-high 38 factors together with 11 rebounds and 12 assists to energy the visiting Los Angeles Lakers to a 131-120 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday (March 21).

James, who performed for the Cavs for 11 seasons, was 17 of 29 from the sector. He got here into Monday’s sport second within the league in scoring at 29.8 per sport in a digital three-way tie with Philadelphia Joel Embiid and Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The Lakers completed 2-2 on their four-game street journey.

Russell Westbrook contributed 20 factors and 11 assists for the Lakers, whereas D.J. Augustin had 20 factors off the bench. Augustin didn’t miss a shot from the sector (seven of seven) or the 3-point line (six of six), because the Lakers shot a season-high 56.4 per cent from the sector.

Guard Darius Garland was sensational with 29 factors and a game-high 16 assists for the Cavs, who had been 3-2 of their just-concluded five-game homestand.

Garland has scored 20 or extra factors in 14 of his final 15 video games.

Malik Monk and Stanley Johnson every tallied 12 factors whereas Austin Reaves had 11 factors, six assists and 5 rebounds.

All 5 Cleveland starters scored in double figures, as Lauri Markkanen added 18 factors and 9 rebounds and Lamar Stevens 16 factors. Evan Mobley and reserve Caris LeVert chipped in 13 factors apiece whereas Isaac Okoro scored 12.

Stevens’ putback with 5.5 seconds left handed Cleveland a 97-96 lead after three quarters. However, the Lakers left the Cavaliers of their mud within the fourth.

Mobley inadvertently kicked James within the chin with about 10:41 to play within the first half. That appeared to gentle a hearth underneath James.

James had 21 factors to propel the Lakers to a 67-62 benefit at halftime. The Lakers outscored Cleveland within the second quarter, 39-27. Augustin had 17 factors within the first half and was 5 of 5 from the 3-point line.

Garland had 17 factors and 5 assists within the first half for the Cavs.

Carmelo Anthony’s baseline jumper with 7:06 left within the first half allowed the Lakers to regain the lead, 46-45, after beginning the sport on a 6-0 solely to fall behind as many as 14 within the first quarter.

Markkanen’s 3-pointer capped a 12-1 run by the Cavs, handed them a 12-7 lead with 7:17 remaining within the opening interval. Cleveland’s scoring spurt shortly grew to 31-17.

Augustin got here off the bench and scored 11 factors to maintain the Lakers within the sport and path by simply seven factors after one quarter, 35-28. Garland had seven factors and 4 assists for the Cavs.