LeBron James delivered his most efficient performance with the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday, shooting 11-for-13 (84.6%) in a 125-101 victory over the Sacramento Kings. The 40-year-old declared he’s winning his battle against aging just days before his 41st birthday on Tuesday.
James made his first three shots in the opening three minutes and finished with his third-best shooting percentage of his 23-year career, according to ESPN Insights. He combined with Luka Doncic, who scored a game-high 34 points, to lead the Lakers past the Kings.
“[Remember] when I did the Father Time commercial thing [for Nike]?” James said. “I’m in a battle with him. And I would like to say that I’m kicking his ass on the back nine.”
The victory came after a turbulent week for Los Angeles. The team entered Sunday on a three-game losing streak following a 119-96 Christmas Day defeat to the Houston Rockets. Austin Reaves will miss at least four weeks with a left calf strain.
The Lakers held a team meeting Saturday and conducted a rare lengthy practice that JJ Redick described as an idea exchange. The team followed with an unusual morning shootaround Sunday before the 6:30 p.m. PT tipoff.
“I just felt in a really good rhythm tonight,” James said. “Had a good spring to my step, to my bounce and just tried to make the most out of my touches.”
Los Angeles won all four quarters for the first time this season. Two-way contract player Nick Smith Jr. shot 7-for-7 to start the game and finished with 21 points in 24 minutes.
James averaged 23.9 points on 52% shooting with 7.4 assists and 7.1 rebounds across 56 regular-season games as a 40-year-old between last season and this one.