Anthony Davis: Lakers refused to let LeBron James sit against Kings amid scoring surge | News, results, highlights, stats and rumours

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 25: Anthony Davis #3 and LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers talk during the game against the Phoenix Suns on October 25, 2024 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTICE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User agrees to the terms of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)

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Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis didn’t want to see LeBron James off the floor when the 20-time All-Star had the hot hand in Saturday’s 131-127 win over the Sacramento Kings.

“Just when you think he’s slowing down, man, he keeps showing the world why he’s the greatest,” Davis said in the dressing room. “To go on that stretch, he actually looked up at the bench and tried to get out of the game. We told him, ‘You’re not getting out.’ He comes out and hits another 3. He never ceases to amaze any of us because we just know what he’s capable of and what he can do.”

Spectrum SportsNet @SpectrumSN

AD discussed LeBron’s enduring greatness and facing a talented big man in Domantas Sabonis. pic.twitter.com/gSFx4dsNWk

The Lakers outscored the Kings 44-33 in the fourth quarter and James was the engine behind the offensive outburst. He shot 6-of-6 from the field and had 16 points in the final frame.

LeBron finished with 32 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists to earn his first triple-double of the 2024-25 NBA season.

The Lakers are off to a 3-0 start and are fifth in offensive rating (120.1), per NBA.com. All five of LA’s starters scored at least 16 points against the Kings, and the team went 14 of 34 from beyond the arc.

The early returns on first-year coach JJ Redick are certainly encouraging.

Kevin O’Connor @Kevin O’ConnorNBA

JJ Redick is the real deal. The Lakers offense plays with so much movement. So many different layers in their actions. And AD has been unlocked. Similar list, new process. Redick is the difference.

And Saturday was a reminder that James continues to perform at an incredibly high level for a 39-year-old entering his 22nd season in the league.

Preseason expectations for the Lakers were probably about as low as they’ve been since LeBron first signed in 2018. Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey had them 13th in their power rankings on October 4.

It’s still really early into the new campaign, but Los Angeles could be a serious threat in the Western Conference.