Indianapolis (USA), May 15 (EFE) .- Star forward LeBron James returned to the competition this Saturday after missing six games and together with center Anthony Davis led the Los Angeles Lakers attack that was imposed at home by 115-122 to the decimated Indiana Pacers.
James finished with 24 points, eight assists and seven rebounds, which were decisive in the victory of the Lakers, as well as the double-double of 28 points and 10 catches of the ball under the hoops of Davis.
The Lakers can stay with sixth place if they beat the Pelicans in New Orleans tomorrow, Sunday, and the Portland Trail Blazers lose to the Denver Nuggets.
If the Lakers finish No. 7, they’ll be in the entry tournament against the eighth-ranked who could be the Golden State Warriors or the Memphis Grizzlies.
Davis, who missed the previous game due to a strain on his left thigh, scored 9 of 18 shots from the field, while James played 28 minutes and made 11 of 22 shots from the field.
James had missed the last six games trying to recover from a sprained right ankle. He missed six weeks and then returned to play two games.
Davis had missed Wednesday’s game against the Houston Rockets.
Center Andre Drummond dominated the Lakers’ inside game with 15 rebounds and also posted a double-double by scoring 11 points.
Spaniard Marc Gasol didn’t have a minute from Lakers coach Frank Vogel.
The German point guard Dennis Schroder also returned with the Lakers and as a starter he contributed 14 points and four assists.
The Lakers led 97-111 before the Pacers scored 11 straight points to trim the lead to 108-111 with 3:07 minutes to go.
James then took over by scoring the next seven points, starting with a triple to put the Lakers up 110-118, which would be the decisive advantage.
Guard Caris LeVert, who was questionable entering the game with a knee injury, finished as the Pacers’ leader with 28 points, while forward JaKarr Sampson, who came out of reserve, scored 20 points as the second leading scorer.
The Pacers could finish with No. 8, 9 or 10 in the Eastern Conference, where they are assured of participation in the playoff entry tournament.
The Indiana team is tied with Charlotte and Washington, all of them 33-38, but would lose the tiebreaker against both teams if they tie.
(c) EFE Agency