NBA: LeBron's 59th triple-double leads Cavaliers past Lakers

Add as a preferred source on Google

New York, December 15: LeBron James is still king, proving that again during the Cleveland Cavaliers' 121-112 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday (December 14).

James recorded his fourth triple-double of the season, marking the most by a player in his 15th season or later in NBA history, by scoring 25 points with 12 rebounds and 12 assists. It was also the 59th triple-double in James' career, tying him with Larry Bird for sixth all-time.

James' heroics helped the Cavaliers (21-8) earn their 16th win in 17 games. After a poor early stretch, the Cavs are now second in the Eastern Conference standings.

Kevin Love stepped up Thursday with a game-high 28 points and 11 rebounds. It was Love's second straight double-double and sixth in his last eight games.

Brandon Ingram led the Lakers with 26 points, but rookies Lonzo Ball (13 points, 11 assists and eight rebounds) and Kyle Kuzma (20 points, seven rebounds) impressed the most.

The Lakers, losers of seven of their last nine, have played better than their recent form indicates.

DYNAMIC DRUMMOND

Pistons center Andre Drummond flirted with a triple-double Thursday in a 105-91 win over the Hawks. Drummond scored 12 points with 19 rebounds and eight assists to help Detroit snap their seven-game losing streak.

Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns scored 30 points with 14 rebounds, five assists and five blocks in a 119-96 win over the Kings. Jimmy Butler added 21 points with nine assists and seven rebounds.

CRABBE STRUGGLES

Nets guard Allen Crabbe scored just four points on one-of-eight shooting (one of seven from beyond the arc) with two rebounds and one assist in a 111-104 loss to the Knicks, who played without Tim Hardaway Jr., and lost Kristaps Porzingis during the game with a knee injury.

THOMPSON STARS FOR WARRIORS

Klay Thompson can do more than just hit three-pointers.

THURSDAY'S RESULTS

Detroit Pistons 105-91 Atlanta Hawks

New York Knicks 111-104 Brooklyn Nets

Cleveland Cavaliers 121-112 Los Angeles Lakers

Minnesota Timberwolves 119-96 Sacramento Kings

Golden State Warriors 112-97 Dallas Mavericks

SPURS AT ROCKETS

This Texas battle not only features two of the league's best teams, but some of its best players. Kawhi Leonard is back for the Spurs, and LaMarcus Aldridge has rediscovered his best form. James Harden is enjoying an MVP-calibre season with Clint Capela and Chris Paul providing elite support.

Source: OPTA