'Tier 1 is a layup really right under the rim where you lay it off the glass. 'I work on different layup packages,' James explained. 'Those charges represent him doing whatever it takes to put us in a position to succeed.'Īnd the game wouldn't have made it to overtime if not for his game-tying layup with 0.8 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, finishing his drive by lofting the ball high off the glass to elude the Grizzlies man in the middle, Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. 'He understands for us to get all of our other guys to do and make the right plays and sacrifice themselves, he has to be at the top of that list,' Lakers coach Darvin Ham said.

He delivered the experience in a variety of ways: from a couple of blocked shots in the first half - wagging his finger like Dikembe Mutombo after the second - to a couple of charges drawn on Memphis star Ja Morant in the fourth. I've been a part of a lot of the games and I just love being able to make plays and be out there with my teammates to give them experiences that they maybe never had before.' 'These are the moments that I love,' James said.

So, that's pretty cool, I guess.'Īfter the Lakers flamed out in their repeat title bid with a first-round loss in 2021 and didn't even qualify for the postseason last year, James has his team looking like a group primed to make a run when it matters once again. 'I've done some pretty cool things in my career,' James said. His 20-20 line - a career first through 1,693 regular-season, play-in and postseason games - made him the oldest player to achieve the statistical mark since Wilt Chamberlain did it at 36 in 1973. Bane pins OT loss on lack of 'game-plan discipline'.It was the image that will be seared into fans' minds from an instant classic performance by the 20-year veteran, who finished with 22 points, 20 rebounds, seven assists, two blocks and just one turnover. I was just letting the emotion come out.' There wasn't much light at the end for the rest of the game. 'I felt like that play right there,' James said, 'I wouldn't say, 'closed the door,' but it sealed it. went up by five and went on to win 117-111 to take a 3-1 series lead - one victory away from becoming the first No.

LOS ANGELES - With less than 30 seconds to go in overtime in Monday's Game 4 against the Memphis Grizzlies, the Los Angeles Lakers' 38-year-old star, LeBron James - playing in his 45th minute - made a layup while being fouled by his first-round foil, Dillon Brooks.

Rebound by L.A. Witt