
USA Today via Reuters
Nov 9, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) moves to the basket against Los Angeles Clippers guard Paul George (13) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

USA Today via Reuters
Nov 9, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) moves to the basket against Los Angeles Clippers guard Paul George (13) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Lakers put an end to their four-game losing streak with a narrow 106-103 win against their crosstown rivals, the Clippers. Initially trailing 16-7, the Lakers orchestrated a compelling comeback, narrowing the halftime gap to just four points. The game’s turning point arrived early in the third quarter when LeBron James seized control with a powerful dunk over Paul George, drawing a foul and earning an And-1 opportunity.
The 39-year-old secured a rebound and swiftly dribbled down the court, exploding at the basket for an emphatic dunk. Subsequently, he converted the accompanying free throw to tie the score at 55. Nonetheless, it was Taurean Prince’s tie-breaking three-pointer with 1.17 remaining, coupled with two critical free throws, that ultimately propelled the Lakers ahead of the Clippers. Following the game, the 29-year-old not only acknowledged his pivotal game-winning shot but also claimed credit for LeBron James’ humiliating poster on Paul George.
In a post-game conference, Taurean Prince broke down the events that led to James emphatic dunk. When asked about his thought process on the dunk, Prince explained that he had a huge part to play in the moments leading up to the monstrous slam dunk. As James was dribbling the length of the court, Prince offered a verbal assist, telling him to dunk. James then took the cue and threw down a one-handed slam. Talking about how he felt about helping James, he said, “To see it actually happen was pretty crazy.”
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Taurean Prince said he gave LeBron a verbal assist on that dunk on Paul George: pic.twitter.com/GxfT0lTW7n
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) January 8, 2024
Although James’ spectacular dunk got the whole internet talking, it wasn’t enough to impress Skip Bayless, who once again fired shots at the Akron Hammer.
Skip Bayless is at it again
In a recent tweet, Bayless lauded the Lakers for their victory while simultaneously taking a dig at James. While praising Prince for his impactful performance in the game, Bayless wrote, “Who needs the King when you have a Prince? Taurean Prince made a huge late 3, then two clutch late free throws, as the Lakers survived a tying three by Norman Powell that did everything but go in. Lakers played their best D since the Cup final over Indiana.” Although Bayless made a valid argument by highlighting Prince’s contribution, it would have been more constructive without the slight jab at the 19-time All-Star.
Who needs the King when you have a Prince? Taurean Prince made a huge late 3, then two clutch late free throws, as the Lakers survived a tying three by Norman Powell that did everything but go in. Lakers played their best D since the Cup final over Indiana.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) January 8, 2024
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However, as always, James was unfazed by his continuous criticism; instead, the 4-time NBA Champion is focused on building on their recent win. The Lakers were on a hot streak when they went on to win the inaugural in-season tournament. However, they have gone frigid since lifting the NBA Cup. The victory against the Clippers will offer the much-needed confidence that the Lakers need to get their game back on track. Speaking to Lakers reporter Mike Trudell after the win, James said, “Tonight was a good step in the right direction, we want try to continue that trend going into the next game.”
Read More: Lakers Legend Believes Clippers Stars’ 1 Strength Drove Loss Against LeBron James and Co
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Can the Lakers stage a turnaround and make a deep run into the postseason? Let us know in the comments!
Watch This Story: 39-Year-Old LeBron James Ends 2023 High And Way Above Fellow Veteran Stephen Curry In Elite NBA List
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