LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers took on the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday. It was a thriller in Philly as the Lakers came up with a nail-biting 112-108 victory. While many credit Luka Dončić’s triple-double performance for LA’s victory, it was James’ resurgence in the final quarter that won the game.
During the final seconds of the game, James won the game for the Lakers. A video of James and his teammates in the huddle then went viral on social as it showed how the “King” masterfully mapped the final play.
LeBron James Wins It in Philadelphia
Sunday’s game between the Lakers and the 76ers was like witnessing the LeBron of old. Before Sunday, James made it seem that he took the back seat to allow Dončić and Austin Reaves to take over the team.
James has consistently focused more on facilitating the ball instead of scoring. He even unselfishly ended his streak of scoring 10+ points every game after he dished the ball to Rui Hachimura, who hit a buzzer-beater to seal the game against the Toronto Raptors last Thursday.
However, the “King” was in a different mood on Sunday as he decided to take matters into his own hands against the 76ers. During the final few seconds of the fourth quarter, James predicted the 76ers’ play and explained it to his teammates.
As the Lakers’ five went back on the court, James masterfully read the offense and came up with a game-winning steal.
LeBron knew exactly what the 76ers were running 🤯🧠
He’s seen it all 🔥 pic.twitter.com/i5Tj0PtqQW
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 8, 2025
In the video, you can see LeBron commanding Austin to cover Quentin Grimes. James then knew that Joel Embiid would provide a screen for Grimes for him to take the quick three-pointer. LeBron faked running after Embiid and instead came up with an interception.
James finished the game with 29 points, seven rebounds, six assists, one steal, and one block. While Dončić had a triple-double performance, posting 31 points, 15 rebounds, and 11 assists, it was James’ 10-straight points in the fourth quarter that sealed the game.
The Lakers are now set to face off against the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday in an NBA Cup Quarter-Final matchup. Victor Wembanyama is listed as questionable on Wednesday. This means that the towering Frenchman could return to the Spurs lineup to take on the Lakers.
If Wemby does end up coming back from injury, the Lakers’ bigs will have to do everything they can to stop him if they wish to carry on in the NBA Cup.
