NBA: LeBron adds to statistical achievements as Lakers top Hawks

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) moves to the basket to score against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half in the NBA at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

LeBron James scored 30 points and Anthony Davis returned from a one-game absence to collect 18 points and 19 rebounds as the Los Angeles Lakers earned a 119-102 victory over the visiting Atlanta Hawks in the NBA on Friday.

James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, passed Michael Jordan for most 30-point games in NBA history at 563. In addition, James appeared in his 1,523rd career game, moving him past Dirk Nowitzki for fourth in league history.

READ: LeBron James breaks Michael Jordan’s NBA record for 30-point games

Austin Reaves scored 20 points, while Rui Hachimura and rookie Dalton Knecht each had 13 as the Lakers improved to 7-2 since Dec. 15. Davis missed Los Angeles’ Thursday victory over the Portland Trail Blazers for injury management on a sore left ankle.

LeBron becomes the NBA's all-time leader in 30+ point games in the @Lakers W 👑

30 PTS | 13-20 FGM | 8 AST pic.twitter.com/MWU1TlxlDA

— NBA (@NBA) January 4, 2025

Trae Young had 33 points and nine assists and Jalen Johnson added 19 points for the Hawks following his own missed game on Wednesday at Denver because of a sore shoulder.

Onyeka Okongwu scored 14 points and pulled down 11 rebounds, and Dyson Daniels had 13 points as Atlanta dropped its second consecutive game following a four-game win streak.

The Hawks, who entered with 117.9 points per game, fell to 1-2 on a six-game road trip that continues in with a game against the Clippers on Saturday before heading to Utah and Phoenix.

READ: NBA: Lakers send D’Angelo Russell to Nets

The Hawks were up by five points a mere three minutes into the game before the Lakers moved in front for good at 14-13 with 7:31 left in the first quarter. Los Angeles led by as many as 10 points late in the second quarter and was up 65-57 at the half.

Atlanta stayed competitive but went into the fourth quarter trailing 96-86 as Los Angeles shot 51.6 percent through three quarters and 52.6 percent (10 of 19) from 3-point range. The Lakers shot 48.9 percent overall and 43.3 percent from deep.

The Lakers effectively put the game away with four minutes remaining on consecutive 3-pointers from Hachimura and Reaves for a 115-98 lead.

The teams split the season series 1-1 after Atlanta’s overtime victory at home last month. It is the fourth time in the past five seasons they have split the season series. –Field Level Media