LeBron James reflected on the Los Angeles Lakers’ 142-111 victory over the Washington Wizards on Friday night, highlighting his son Bronny’s first-half impact. “For sure. I gave him a lot of on the block one though. He pulls a punch that one for sure… I will always get extra hype and everything out of it for my kid’s success,” LeBron said.
James praised Luka Doncic’s historic performance, noting, “He’s beyond special.” Doncic recorded 37 points, 13 assists, and 11 rebounds, including a first-half triple-double that helped the Lakers build a 77-48 halftime lead.
On Deandre Ayton’s dominant night, James said, “It’s our job to feed him, feed the beast. Tonight he was very active…he converted, you know, the majority of, let’s say, what is he? He’s 12 or 14, converted everything in the paint pretty much.” Ayton finished with 28 points and 13 rebounds while shooting 12-of-14 from the field.
James also commented on the growth of Washington’s young players, including Kyshawn George and Alex Sarr. “The NBA is all about growth, opportunity, and confidence…you get the confidence from your coaches and teammates, you get the growth from playing, the best teacher in life is experience,” he said.
Reflecting on his own highlights, including a one-handed alley-oop in the first half at age 41, James joked about the dunk contest. “No chance,” he said when asked if the league would call him. On Bronny’s breakaway dunk, he added, “Just super proud. He goes out there and be a professional with the rest of the guys that’s on the floor and was able to get a dunk to go, a couple free throws. That was pretty cool.”
The Lakers dominated both inside and outside the paint, shooting 61% overall and extending the lead to as much as 38 points in the third quarter. Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia helped maintain the team’s offensive tempo, limiting Washington’s attempts at a comeback.
Los Angeles improved to 29-18 with the win and will face the New York Knicks on Sunday, while the Wizards fell to 12-35 and return home to play Sacramento.
