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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James returned to his home state on Tuesday night to take on Donovan Mitchell and the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Lakers went on to lose 116-102, ending a three-game win streak.
In 36 minutes played, LeBron closed out his outing with 21 points and a season-high 17 rebounds. More importantly, the four-time MVP was impressed by Mitchell, who finished with a season-high 43 points.
According to some NBA betting sites, the Lakers have the 13th-best odds to win the championship in 2023. Check out which sportsbooks are giving the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers better odds.
LeBron James on Donovan Mitchell: ‘He’s a special kid’ https://t.co/T5sQflzOtv
— Cavaliers Nation (@WeAreCavsNation) December 7, 2022
“He’s Mitchell,” James said. “He’s a special kid.” Through 23 starts this season, the Cavaliers guard is averaging a career-high 29 points per game. Also, Mitchell is logging 4.0 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.5 steals per contest.
Additionally, Mitchell made a career-high 17 field goals against the Lakers as well. On April 7, 2021, in the Utah Jazz’s 117-113 loss to the Phoenix Suns, the guard scored 41 points for the Jazz on 16-of-35 (45.7%) shooting from mid-range. In comparison, Mitchell shot 63% from the floor on Tuesday.
Lakers star LeBron James calls Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell “a special kid” after 116-102 loss
Moreover, the Cavaliers are 16-9 and rank third overall in the Eastern Conference standings. As for the Lakers, they dropped to 10-13 and rank 13th in the West.
Mitchell has outscored LeBron James by 21 points in five of his last seven head-to-head matchups.
Anthony Davis left the game after eight minutes because of flu-like symptoms. The Lakers could not overcome the loss of the eight-time All-Star. It was also Jarrett Allen’s first game back with Cleveland.
Donovan Mitchell spoils LeBron James’ return to Cleveland by leading the Cavs with 43 points, as the Cavaliers improve to 11-1 at home.
Mitchell has now outscored James (21 points) in five of their last seven head-to-head matchup. pic.twitter.com/e87iiilRrd
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) December 7, 2022
“Next man up,” James said on winning without Davis. “That’s a tall task — literally and figuratively.” When trailing after three quarters, the Lakers are now 0-10.
Furthermore, during an early timeout, a video tribute for LeBron was played. The 20-year veteran was spotted waving at fans nearby.
“It’s always love coming back here,” James said when asked about his appreciation towards the city of Cleveland. “The memories I have here will never be forgotten.
“From the time I was drafted as an 18-year-old kid to the time I left. So, the reception I got from the fans here is mutual. That’s for sure.”
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