LeBron Dominates Brooklyn at 41, While Day’Ron Sharpe Makes His Case Ahead of Trade Deadline
At 41 years old, LeBron James isn’t just defying Father Time-he’s putting him on a poster.
In what may have been his final appearance at Barclays Center, James put on a vintage performance that reminded everyone why he’s still one of the most dangerous players in the league, even in his 23rd NBA season. The newly-named 22-time All-Star lit up the Nets with 25 points, seven assists, three rebounds, and three steals, shooting a scorching 62.5% from the field-all in under 30 minutes.
It wasn’t just efficient; it was commanding. The Brooklyn crowd could only watch in awe as LeBron controlled the game like it was 2013, not 2026.
From the opening tip, the Lakers set the tone. They came out firing, hitting their first seven shots and racing out to a 22-point lead by the end of the first quarter.
Their defense was locked in, their transition game was humming, and the Nets looked stunned. The first quarter ended 45-23, and things didn’t get any easier for Brooklyn from there.
By halftime, Los Angeles had pushed the lead to 29, up 69-40, with James, Luka Dončić, and a returning Austin Reaves leading the charge. Dončić added 24 points, six rebounds, and five assists, while Reaves chipped in 15 points in just 21 minutes. The Lakers ballooned their lead to as much as 39 early in the third, effectively putting the game on ice before the final quarter even began.
But while the scoreboard told the story of a blowout, there were still some standout efforts on Brooklyn’s side-starting with Day’Ron Sharpe.
With the trade deadline looming on Feb. 5, Sharpe picked the perfect time to showcase his value.
The Nets’ backup big man was relentless, finishing with 19 points, 14 rebounds-including a staggering 10 on the offensive glass-five assists, and three steals on 9-of-12 shooting. His motor never stopped, and he gave Brooklyn second-chance opportunity after second-chance opportunity, even if the team couldn’t capitalize.
Sharpe’s performance was a clear message to front offices around the league: if you’re looking for a high-energy, high-impact reserve big, he’s your guy.
Michael Porter Jr. did his best to keep the Nets afloat with a 21-point, 10-rebound double-double, but his 0-for-9 night from beyond the arc was a tough pill to swallow. Every time it felt like Brooklyn might claw their way back in, the shots just wouldn’t fall.
Rookie Egor Dëmin opened the game with a smooth catch-and-shoot three, but his night was a mixed bag. He finished with 11 points but also turned the ball over six times, struggling to find rhythm against L.A.’s aggressive defense.
One of the more encouraging signs for Brooklyn came from Ziaire Williams. Known more for his defense and hustle plays, Williams showed off an expanded offensive game, pouring in 17 points on 63.6% shooting. He knocked down a few tough threes off the dribble and sprinted the floor with purpose, giving the Nets a spark in an otherwise one-sided affair.
Brooklyn falls to 13-36 with the loss and will look to regroup before heading to Orlando for a Thursday night rematch against the Magic-a team they battled into overtime just a few weeks ago.
For the Lakers, this was more than just a win-it was a statement. LeBron may be in Year 23, but nights like this show he’s still capable of being the best player on the floor. And for Brooklyn, the focus now shifts to the trade deadline, where Sharpe’s name could be one to watch.