This Day In Lakers History: LeBron James’ Late 3-Pointer Helps Beat Warriors In Play-In Tournament

On May 19, 2021, the Los Angeles Lakers found themselves in a tough spot during the Play-In Tournament against the Golden State Warriors, enduring one of their worst first halves of basketball. Despite trailing by 13 points at halftime, LeBron James ensured the Lakers secured a crucial victory, overcoming Stephen Curry and his team with a final score of 103-100. This win clinched the seventh seed in the Western Conference for the Lakers, setting them up for a first-round matchup against the Phoenix Suns.

Anthony Davis led the Lakers with 25 points and 12 rebounds, though he struggled against Warriors star Draymond Green, managing just 10-of-24 from the field. LeBron James, who hit only seven of his 17 shots, was pivotal in the second half, achieving a triple-double with 22 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists. 

The game showcased two distinct halves, with the Lakers turning things around after a dismal start. James, Davis, and Dennis Schroder had a rough first half, but the reserves, particularly Alex Caruso, kept the team competitive. Stephen Curry’s three-pointer at the halftime buzzer gave the Warriors a significant lead and momentum.

However, the Lakers closed the gap quickly in the second half, engaging in a back-and-forth battle with the Warriors throughout the fourth quarter. With the score tied at 100, the Lakers’ offensive possession looked bleak as Kentavious Caldwell-Pope got caught in the paint but managed to find James, who sunk a deep three-pointer with the shot clock winding down, securing the win. 

Caruso’s performance was standout, contributing 14 points, three rebounds, and three assists, underscoring his importance to the team. Caldwell-Pope added 10 points and three assists, while Kyle Kuzma and Wesley Matthews made significant plays, even if their contributions weren’t fully reflected in the box score.

Despite this thrilling victory, the Lakers’ postseason run was short-lived. They faced the Phoenix Suns in the first round and, after taking a 2-1 series lead, lost Anthony Davis to a groin injury, which sidelined him for the remainder of the series. This injury proved fatal for the Lakers’ hopes, leading to their elimination in six games and cutting short their title defense.