The Cleveland Cavaliers continued their scorching run of form, defeating the Los Angeles Lakers 122-110 on Wednesday night at the Crypto.com Arena. This victory not only marked Cleveland’s eighth consecutive win but also served to spoil LeBron James’ first game since turning 40. The Cavaliers, led by stellar performances from Jarrett Allen and Donovan Mitchell, left no doubt that they are a force to be reckoned with heading into the new year.
Jarrett Allen was a dominant presence on the court, delivering a season-high 27 points to anchor the Cavaliers’ offense. Allen’s energy and efficiency were critical in the paint, where he capitalized on second-chance opportunities and finished with emphatic dunks.
Donovan Mitchell added 26 points, demonstrating his usual brilliance from beyond the arc and in clutch moments. Evan Mobley contributed 20 points, showcasing his versatility and strong defensive presence. Darius Garland, the floor general for Cleveland, tallied a season-high 14 assists, orchestrating the offense with precision and flair.
LeBron James, celebrating his milestone 40th birthday earlier in the week, etched another record into his illustrious career by becoming the first player in NBA history to appear in a game in both his teens and 40s. James’ journey has been extraordinary, spanning decades of dominance and milestones. However, his 23-point performance was overshadowed by the Lakers’ struggles to keep up with Cleveland’s firepower.
LeBron’s milestone game came against the Cavaliers, the franchise that drafted him first overall in 2003 and with which he spent 12 memorable seasons over two stints. The Akron, Ohio native’s legacy with Cleveland includes leading the team to its first-ever NBA championship in 2016, a feat that remains etched in the city’s sports history.
Despite the loss, Austin Reaves delivered a standout performance for the Lakers, recording a season-high 35 points along with 10 assists and nine rebounds. Reaves’ relentless effort on both ends of the court kept the Lakers competitive during key stretches of the game. Anthony Davis added 28 points and 13 rebounds, continuing to be a dominant force in the paint.
Newly acquired players Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton made their Los Angeles debuts after being traded from Brooklyn. While their contributions were modest—Milton scored six points and Finney-Smith added two—their integration into the team will be crucial as the Lakers aim to solidify their position in the Western Conference standings.
The Cavaliers took control early in the fourth quarter, leading 96-80 within the first three minutes. However, the Lakers mounted a spirited comeback, narrowing the deficit to 112-107 with just over two minutes remaining.
Cleveland’s response was swift and decisive. Jarrett Allen’s thunderous dunk with 1:58 left extended the lead to 116-107, effectively sealing the game. The Cavaliers closed the contest with a 10-3 run, leaving no room for the Lakers to counter. Cleveland’s ability to execute under pressure and maintain composure was a testament to their growth as a cohesive unit.
A key factor in Cleveland’s dominance was their proficiency from beyond the arc. The Cavaliers drained 18 three-pointers, marking the seventh consecutive game in which they achieved this feat. Their sharpshooting has become a defining characteristic of their offense, forcing opponents to stretch their defenses and creating opportunities for their big men in the paint.
Cleveland’s victory wasn’t without setbacks. Sam Merrill sprained his right ankle during the second quarter and did not return. His status will be monitored as the team prepares for their upcoming games.
For the Lakers, the debuts of Finney-Smith and Milton brought a glimpse of potential, but the team’s chemistry will require time to develop. With an 18-14 record, the Lakers sit seventh in the Western Conference, aiming to climb the standings as they enter 2025.
Cleveland heads into the new year with the NBA’s best record at 29-4, including an undefeated 9-0 mark against Western Conference teams. Their consistency and depth have propelled them to the top, making them one of the league’s most formidable contenders.
Los Angeles, meanwhile, has shown flashes of brilliance but struggles with consistency. With a record of 18-14, the Lakers are looking to find their rhythm and establish themselves as a playoff threat in the competitive Western Conference.
The Cavaliers will conclude their road trip with a matchup against the Dallas Mavericks on Friday, aiming to extend their winning streak to nine games. The Lakers, on the other hand, will return to action on Thursday, hosting the Portland Trail Blazers in a game that could provide an opportunity to regain momentum.
The Cavaliers demonstrated why they are the top team in the league, combining stellar individual performances with a cohesive team strategy. Their ability to shoot from deep, dominate in the paint, and execute in critical moments makes them a nightmare matchup for any opponent.
For the Lakers, the game highlighted areas of improvement, including defensive consistency and three-point shooting. With LeBron James still performing at a high level and the addition of new players, Los Angeles has the tools to make a push in the second half of the season.
As the NBA calendar turns to 2025, both teams find themselves at pivotal moments in their respective journeys. The Cavaliers continue to soar, while the Lakers look to regroup and rise to the occasion. Wednesday’s game was a thrilling reminder of the league’s competitive spirit and the enduring greatness of players like LeBron James.
