LeBron James outshines Kevin Durant as he guides the Lakers to victory over the Suns in the quarterfinals of the NBA In-Season Tournament.

LeBron James and Anthony Davis showcased their clutch abilities with a trip to Las Vegas and a cash prize at stake. In a decisive moment, James orchestrated a play, signaling for Austin Reaves to clear out while he maneuvered around a screen from Davis, enticing a defensive switch from Jusuf Nurkić. James swiftly passed Eric Gordon, drove past Nurkić, and gracefully laid the ball in, putting the Lakers ahead by five points at 102-97 with 2:20 left.

This marked the culmination of an incredible fourth-quarter performance, where James either scored or assisted on the Lakers’ initial 19 points (contributing 15 points and two assists). His final stat line included 31 points, eight rebounds, 11 assists, and a season-high five steals in 40 minutes, propelling the Lakers to a 106-103 victory over the Phoenix Suns at Crypto.com Arena.

With this win, the Los Angeles Lakers improved their record to 13-9, securing the fourth spot in the Western Conference and clinching the last semifinal berth in the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament. Having maintained a perfect 5-0 record in the tournament, the Lakers are set to face the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday in Las Vegas.

Head coach Darvin Ham praised James, likening him to the best quarterback in the NBA. Ham emphasized James’ understanding of critical moments and his ability to navigate possessions with precision, whether opting for an aggressive downhill approach or a more methodical strategy. This performance exemplified James’ consistent brilliance throughout his illustrious career.