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CLEVELAND — The Lakers avoided a potential disaster when star guard Luka Dončić returned to Wednesday night’s matchup against the Cavaliers late in the first quarter after taking a scary fall into the stands just a few minutes into the game.
But what they didn’t avoid was another double-digit loss in LeBron James’ return to northeast Ohio, with uncertainty about his NBA future beyond this season.
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The Lakers were blown out by the Cavaliers 129-99 at Rocket Arena during a game in which James uncharacteristically struggled in front of a crowd showering him with adoration throughout the evening.
LeBron James drives to the basket during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on January 28, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images
Lebron James throws chalk in the air before the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on January 28, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images
Dončić finished with 29 points, six assists and five rebounds after returning, but the Cavaliers outscored the Lakers 72-44 in the second half, including 42-22 in the third, for their fifth consecutive win.
James finished with 11 points on 3-of-10 shooting to go with six turnovers, five assists and three rebounds.
The only time the Cleveland crowd cheered louder than it did for James?
When his son and teammate, Bronny James, scored eight points in the fourth quarter – a dunk and a pair of 3-pointers – during garbage time when the Cavaliers had full control.
Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade tries to get past Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James. David Richard-Imagn Images
What does it mean?
The Lakers will have to wait even longer to go on a three-game winning streak – something they’ve done once since the end of November.
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They also dropped to 28-18 on the season, maintaining their No. 5 spot in the Western Conference standings and 3-2 on the “Grammy” trip.
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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/lebron-james-return-cleveland-spoiled-043113651.html
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Publish date : 2026-01-29 04:31:00
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