LeBron James encourages Lakers fans with his performance against the Blazers with Anthony Davis out | News, results, highlights, statistics and rumors

LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 2: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up before the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on January 2, 2025 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: The user expressly acknowledges and agrees that by downloading and/or using this photograph, the user agrees to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)

Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images

Without Anthony Davis against the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday, LeBron James stepped up for the Los Angeles Lakers.

In his second game at age 40, James looked more like the younger version of himself who was an MVP candidate year after year. The star scored 27 points heading into the fourth quarter, paving the way for the Lakers who were looking to achieve six wins in their last eight games.

James was especially hot from deep, hitting six of his first eight attempts on his way to a big scoring night. The Lakers will need him to continue finding his long-range shot if they want to compete for a championship this year.

After James’ dominant play, fans praised him for continuing to play at a high level thus far in his career.

Shark @nut

lebron is so tuff

dis @oDraaze

new year and lebron follows the goat that life

NSK_Vybz00 #SURVIVEDTENHAG @VybzUTD

Lebron got 27 in the 3rd wow

Yonce’s son @kweenreee

LEBRON AGAIN!

Montrice Cameras @montricee_11

LeBron will go out tonight

Chris Culey @cris_culey

When LeBron makes his threes like this, there’s literally nothing you can do with him except hope he keeps shooting, gets tired, and starts missing. #LakeShow

ɴᴏᴛ @georgemikan

LeBron James: 6/8 3P
Trail Blazers: 6/18 3P

Deweeezzyyy @coco_dwarf

Lebron James

۟ @xinnnzxx

lebron is 40 years old with an fg percentage of 71%

James, in his 22nd NBA season, has declined in his athleticism over the years, which makes sense given his age, but he has continued to add to his game and keep Los Angeles in the mix. He is averaging 23.4 points, 8.9 assists and 7.7 rebounds per game this year.

If the Lakers can get performances like Thursday’s from James once Davis returns to the court, they could emerge as Finals contenders.