LeBron James’ NFL-style pass to Anthony Davis was the best thing about the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday.
While the Lakers’ up-and-down season continued with a 130-120 home loss to the Sacramento Kings, James unveiled his best Patrick Mahomes impression with a full-court pass to Anthony Davis.
A long rebound ended up in The King’s hands and set up a brilliant transition play.
In less than a second, James caught the ball and unleashed a two-handed heave across the hardwood.
Davis had a step on the nearest Sacramento defender and caught James’ pass while running toward the basket.
Two steps later, AD completed a smooth layup off the glass, giving James another career assist and a brilliant highlight.
“AD, the completion from the quarterback!” shouted a TV announcer.
“That’s a touchdown pass,” followed on the broadcast. “Look at the spin that he put on it.”
“Should be worth six points,” one fan tweeted.
“Falcons need a QB,” a second fan posted.
4
4
“This what Magic wanted Kareem to do,” a third fan wrote.
James finished with a team-high 31 points while shooting 10-of-16 from the field, 10-of-10 from the free throw line and adding 13 assists.
The sharp night by the NBA’s all-time leading scorer wasn’t enough to carry the Lakers, though.
Los Angeles blew a 37-28 first-quarter lead by being outscored 44-20 in the second period.
The Lakers (34-30) were simply outplayed by the Kings (35-26), who hold a 2.5-game lead in the Western Conference standings and stand above Los Angeles in the playoff play-in picture.
James also dealt with a left ankle injury and limped off the court.
“Some games it’s better than others. I didn’t feel it during the Oklahoma City game and I didn’t feel it tonight until the fourth quarter,” he said. “Some days are better than others.”
De’Aaron Fox smoked the Lakers by tying a career high with 44 points.
“He was amazing. I hate using that word because to me that’s who he is,” Sacramento coach Mike Brown said.
“It’s hard to score 44 points every single night, especially on the percentage that he did it at, but he is more than capable with his ability. It was a big game for him in a big-game environment.”
