LeBron James, Lakers roar back to knock off Trail Blazers

LeBron James finished with 37 points and 11 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers rallied from a 25-point halftime deficit to defeat the Portland Trail Blazers 121-112 on Sunday night.

Down 25 at the half.
Up 9 for the game. pic.twitter.com/V3UiXq3Yb1

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) January 23, 2023

Thomas Bryant added 31 points and 14 rebounds for the Lakers in the comeback, tied for second-biggest halftime deficit that the team has erased for a win in franchise history.

The Lakers roared back to become the first team to win a game in which it lost a quarter by 30 or more points since the Boston Celtics against the Buffalo Braves in 1972.

James said the Lakers had a choice when trailing by 25 points at halftime against the Trail Blazers.

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“I guess it’s only one or two ways, you can either go out and you can lay down and get ready for the next game or you can see what happens in the third quarter, make a game of it,” James said.

“And for us as competitors, and our team and our makeup this year, we’re not a lay-down team. That’s just not the makeup of our club.”

Anfernee Simons had 31 points for the Blazers, who have lost their third straight game. Damian Lillard added 24 points and 10 assists.

“Right now, we’re just not getting it done,” Lillard said when asked if the Blazers should try to deal before the trade deadline.

“I do want to win. I don’t think it’s a secret that I want to win. I think we’ve got to do whatever we need to do to be in a position to win.”

Lakers host the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday while Trail Blazers are at home against the San Antioni Spurs on Monday night.