LeBron James lit up the fourth quarter with 12 of his 29 points to carry the Los Angeles Lakers past the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday night.
Lakers rally
The game began as a tight contest, with both teams exchanging leads in the early quarters. By the third quarter, the Lakers were trailing by a slim margin, but LeBron’s experience and scoring ability kept the momentum in their favor.
In the final period, LeBron exploded, adding 12 points in the fourth quarter alone. His efficient shooting and aggressive drives opened up lanes for teammates, creating crucial opportunities.
Despite a valiant effort from the Sixers, the Lakers’ depth and veteran presence proved decisive. The final score reflected the Lakers’ resilience, with LeBron’s performance highlighted as the turning point.
Coaches from both sides praised the effort, noting that the Lakers’ ability to adapt under pressure was key to overcoming the Sixers.
Tyrese Maxey’s health concerns
Tyrese Maxey, the Sixers’ sixth‑year guard, was ruled out for the Friday matchup against the Indiana Pacers due to an illness. Head coach Nick Nurse announced before the game that Maxey had not been able to participate in the team’s mini‑break activities for several days.
Maxey had been a consistent presence in the lineup, playing in all 23 games the Sixers had started the season. He entered Friday averaging an NBA‑high 39.9 minutes per game, ranking third in points per game with 31.5, and contributing 7.2 assists, 4.7 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and 0.9 blocks per contest.
Paul George spoke about Maxey’s workload, saying, “He’s handled it great,” and added that Maxey takes care of his body, does recovery work, and remains mentally prepared. George described Maxey as a warrior who will figure things out.
With Maxey’s absence, the Sixers will need to rely on remaining players to fill the scoring and play‑making void, potentially affecting their competitiveness in upcoming games.
Other Sixers injuries
In addition to Maxey, several other Sixers players were sidelined for the game against Indiana. Kelly Oubre Jr. was out with a left knee LCL sprain, Trendon Watford suffered a left adductor strain, and Hunter Sallis was dealing with a right shoulder sprain.
Joel Embiid was listed as probable an hour before tip‑off, carrying a ‘left knee injury recovery’ designation. The roster adjustments highlighted the depth challenges the Sixers face as the season progresses.
The combination of injuries and illness may force the coaching staff to adjust rotations and strategies, especially in high‑stakes matchups.
Key Takeaways
- LeBron James delivered a decisive fourth‑quarter performance, scoring 12 of his 29 points to secure a Lakers victory over the Sixers.
- Tyrese Maxey missed the Friday game due to illness after playing all 23 games and averaging an NBA‑high 39.9 minutes per contest.
- The Sixers roster was further weakened by injuries to Kelly Oubre Jr., Trendon Watford, Hunter Sallis, and a probable status for Joel Embiid.
The Lakers’ win underscores LeBron’s enduring impact, while the Sixers grapple with health setbacks that could influence their trajectory in the 2025‑26 season.
