In a thrilling showdown on Sunday night, LeBron James showcased his brilliance, propelling the Los Angeles Lakers to a nail-biting 105-104 victory over the Houston Rockets, sealing the win with a clutch free throw in the dying seconds.

James, fueled by motivation and determination, delivered a season-best performance, notching an impressive 37 points, including the crucial go-ahead free throw with a mere 1.9 seconds remaining, securing the Lakers’ hard-fought win against the Rockets. Follow your favourite basketball team with attractive betting odds from Nextbet, one of the best basketball gambling sites.

The Lakers’ superstar’s exceptional performance marked his fifth game this season with over 30 points, contributing significantly to the Lakers’ recent string of victories.

In response to his spectacular on-court display, James emphasized, “Sometimes you need to remind people. So that’s what it was,” reflecting on his motivation leading up to the game.

The intense contest saw a late surge from the Rockets, with Alperen Sengun’s layup leveling the score just moments before James’ decisive free throw. Despite Houston’s resilient efforts, Dillon Brooks’ last-gasp 3-point attempt failed to alter the final outcome.

Coach Ime Udoka acknowledged his team’s spirited fight but lamented their tactical errors in crucial moments, stating, “We just didn’t play smart at the end.”

Beyond his scoring prowess, James achieved significant milestones during the game, reaching 10,500 assists, solidifying his place among the NBA’s top assist-makers. Additionally, he joined elite company by tying Vince Carter for seventh on the all-time 3-pointers list and surpassing Clyde Drexler for eighth on the steals list.

The matchup between James and Brooks, marked by their competitive rivalry since last season’s playoffs, delivered another captivating duel. Despite an early technical foul for a tussle with Brooks, James acknowledged Brooks’ stellar performance, expressing admiration for his opponent’s exceptional display.

Anthony Davis contributed significantly to the Lakers’ victory with 27 points and 10 rebounds, but his fouling out in the final minute added tension to the game. Austin Reaves stepped up off the bench, notching 17 points to bolster the Lakers’ efforts.

While Brooks impressed for the Rockets with 24 points, including six 3-pointers, and Sengun added 23, Houston suffered their second consecutive loss after a promising five-game winning streak. Get the latest updates from the world of basketball only on Nextbet Sports.