LeBron James achieved a historic victory on Christmas Day, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to defeat the Golden State Warriors 115-113 in San Francisco.
The success, achieved by Austin Reeves' layup with one second left, saw the 39-year-old become the NBA's all-time leader in 25 wins in December with his 11th win in 19 games.
The Lakers achieved the victory despite losing big man Anthony Davis to a left ankle injury eight minutes into the game
“It's always difficult to play without AD, so I think our job has become more difficult, and we have to do a little bit more,” said James, who finished with 31 points.
“Everyone has to contribute, especially on the defensive side because AD is our anchor. I thought the guys did a great job of playing with each other, getting to where we wanted to get on offense and also being able to be consistent and progress.” “Stops at the right time against a really good offensive team.”
Despite Davis' absence, the Lakers controlled most of the game but had a scare in the final minutes.
Stephen Curry led 109-100 with 1 minute and 30 seconds left, and scored eight points for the Warriors to take a 13-4 lead, including two 3-pointers with 12.2 and 7.6 seconds left to tie the game.
But Reeves drove to the basket to finish with 26 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists, while Curry scored a game-high 38 points, including eight 3-pointers, to tie the NBA record for a Christmas game.
Elsewhere, Victor Wembanyama scored 42 points, 18 rebounds, four assists and four blocks in his debut on Christmas Day, but his efforts were in vain as the San Antonio Spurs lost 117-114 to the New York Knicks.
The Knicks led by 41 points from Mikal Bridges, the second most scored by a Knicks player on Christmas Day behind Bernard King, who scored 60 points in 1984.
Anthony Edwards scored 26 points to lead visiting Minnesota to a 105-99 victory over Dallas, which was without its star Luka Doncic in the second half after he suffered a calf strain late in the second quarter.