Play.
Russ throws to LeBron for a slam.
In the third quarter, Russell Westbrook and James connect for an alley-oops. (0:28)
The time is 11:39 PM.
The Los Angeles Lakers star has scored 25 points or more in 17 of his last 18 games, and his 33 points in Sunday's loss to the Miami Heat marked the 17th straight game he has scored at least 25. All with Davis gone.
James made it sound like his offensive output could continue at a prolific pace if Davis returns as soon as Tuesday from the left knee injury.
"I don't need to score 30 a night, but I'm in one of the best zones I've been in in my career," the 19-year veteran said. I don't plan on stopping. I feel that way. I feel great. The ball is being shot very well. I didn't shoot the 3-ball well, but all eight of them felt great. From the field and from the free throw line, shooting efficient. The rim is very efficient.
I don't say you have to score 30 or you don't have a chance to win the game. I don't pay much attention to the game. The scoring has been going on.
James was 11-for-14 if his 3-point attempts were subtracted. He went 8-for-11 from the free throw line.
Over the past 17 games, he is averaging 32.5 points and shooting 53.4% from the field, which is second most in the league behind only Philadelphia's Joel Embiid. In the stretch, L.A. has gone 10.
The scoring run has lifted James' average to 29.0 points per game, second in the league behind Brooklyn's Kevin Durant. It's the fourth-highest scoring average of his career and the most he has averaged in more than a decade.
James has averaged his most minutes since his last season with the Cavs, when he played 36.9.
Lakers coach Frank Vogel said he will welcome Davis' return to carry some of the burden.
"That's definitely one of them, to spread out some of the load, and that's what Anthony helps in all ways, and that's definitely one of them," he said before the game. "Lebron feels good with the load he has been carrying." If it's too much within his minutes and the total minutes, we continue to communicate with him. Playing most of the time. Having Anthony back definitely helps with that.
When he was 18 years old, James came into the league to save the Clevelandavaliers, so he is not concerned about what he needs to bring to the Lakers this year.
James acknowledged that he's aware of the approaching milestone and that he is 2,006 points behind Abdul-Jabbar's all-time scoring record.
It's natural for people to look at it and see if it's possible. James said to see if you're capable. Health is the most important part and then just continuing to give your everything to the game. I have never cheated the game. I don't want to feel like I'm content.
When did you say that I would be within 2,000 points? Soon? We'll see what happens. I have never pursued a record in my life. I've never said, "OK, let me see if I can get this record, let me see if I can get that record."
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