LeBron James is in his 23rd NBA season, but you wouldn’t know it from the way he took flight on Sunday night. In a classic “turn-back-the-clock” moment, James delivered one of his signature chasedown blocks-reminding everyone that even in year 21 with the Lakers, he's still capable of making plays that defy time.
The moment came early in the game against the Phoenix Suns. After Jordan Goodwin stripped the ball from James and took off on the break, it looked like an easy two points.
But LeBron had other plans. He tracked Goodwin down, timed his leap perfectly, and erased the layup with a vintage swat off the glass.
It was the kind of defensive play that’s been a hallmark of James’ career-one that still electrifies a crowd and swings momentum.
That block was more than just a highlight; it was a tone-setter in what turned out to be a wild finish. The Lakers pulled out a 116-114 win on the road, but not without some serious drama down the stretch.
Up 111-97 with under four minutes to go, Los Angeles looked like it had the game in hand. But the Suns weren’t done.
Phoenix ripped off a 12-0 run to take the lead, putting the pressure squarely back on the Lakers. In the final seconds, it was LeBron and Marcus Smart who stepped to the line and calmly knocked down clutch free throws to seal the win.
This was one of those games where the little things-free throws and rebounding-made all the difference. The Lakers dominated both categories, hitting 33-of-43 from the stripe and pulling down 54 boards.
The Suns, by comparison, went 21-of-25 from the line and grabbed just 37 rebounds. That discrepancy gave the Lakers the edge they needed in a tightly contested game.
LeBron was once again at the center of it all. He finished with 26 points, four assists, three rebounds, two steals, and two blocks.
He shot 8-of-17 from the field, went 1-of-5 from deep, and hit 9-of-14 free throws. It wasn’t a perfect shooting night, but it was a complete performance-especially on both ends of the floor.
He had help, too. Luka Doncic led the way with 29 points and six assists, while Deandre Ayton added a double-double with 20 points and 13 rebounds. Jaxson Hayes chipped in with 12 points and nine boards, providing solid minutes off the bench.
With the win, the Lakers move to 18-7 on the season, holding steady in the fourth spot in the Western Conference standings. They’re neck-and-neck with the San Antonio Spurs and just behind the Rockets and Nuggets in a crowded top tier.
Next up, the Lakers hit the road again to take on the Utah Jazz on Dec. 18. If LeBron keeps making plays like that chasedown block, don’t be surprised if we’re still talking about his impact deep into the season-and maybe even beyond.