On December 24, Beijing time, the 2021-22 NBA regular season was in full swing. In today's focus battle, the Lakers welcomed the Spurs' challenge at home. Before this game, the Lakers had suffered three consecutive losses, with a record of 16 wins and 16 losses, ranking 7th in the West.
In today's game, James started 10 consecutive games, setting a new personal record for consecutive appearances this season. Shortly after the game began, James hit a three-pointer at the top of the arc, and then he scored multiple times inside, scoring 9 points, 1 rebound and 2 assists on 4-of-6 shooting in a single quarter.
Under his leadership, the Lakers barely competed with the Spurs. After his break, the Lakers entered a 3:05-long athletic goal drought until Thomas Jr. hit a jump shot and the Lakers trailed the Spurs 21-29.
As the second quarter began, the Spurs quickly extended their lead to double digits. It was James who stepped up again, winning consecutive baskets and hitting 3-pointers on the perimeter. James then briefly went off the field for two and a half minutes before returning to the court one and a half minutes before the end of the quarter. He quickly grabbed a rebound and assisted Anthony to hit a 3-pointer. It is worth mentioning that through the camera, you can see that James fights to the arm and is scratched by the opponent.
At the end of the first half, the Lakers trailed the Spurs 55-66. James scored 23 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 1 steal on 10-of-16 shooting, Westbrook scored 9 points and 3 rebounds, Tucker 6 points, Howard 3 points and 6 rebounds, and Anthony 6 points. Spurs Kelden had 6 points and 5 rebounds, White 8 points, Walker 10 points and Diop 10 points and 4 rebounds.