NBA: LeBron James dazzles in Lakers' win over Warriors

LeBron James delivered 26 points and 11 assists to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 119-103 victory over the Golden State Warriors, snapping a three-game losing streak and moving into a tie for fourth place in the Western Conference after a dominant fourth-quarter surge.

FIELD LEVEL MEDIA / Reuters

April 10, 2026

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) controls the ball beside Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II (0) during the third quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, California, U.S., April 9, 2026.

Cary Edmondson / Reuters

The Los Angeles Lakers snapped a three-game losing streak with a convincing 119-103 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Thursday in San Francisco, powered by a dominant all-around performance from LeBron James.

James led the way with 26 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds, shooting efficiently throughout the night. Deandre Ayton added 21 points on an impressive 9-of-11 shooting, while Jake LaRavia contributed 16 points as the Lakers improved to 51-29.

With the win, Los Angeles moved into a tie with the Houston Rockets for the fourth spot in the Western Conference standings, just one game behind the Denver Nuggets.

The Lakers took control early in the fourth quarter, turning a nine-point lead into a blowout with a 24-6 run. They caught fire offensively, making their first 10 shots of the final period, including four from beyond the arc.

Luke Kennard scored 14 points, while Rui Hachimura and Nick Smith Jr. each added 12. Bronny James chipped in 10 points, including a key 3-pointer late in the third quarter that extended the Lakers’ lead to 82-67.

Golden State was led by Brandin Podziemski and Nate Williams, who scored 17 points apiece. Charles Bassey recorded a double-double with 12 points and a season-high 13 rebounds, while Pat Spencer and Malevy Leons also scored 12 each. Seth Curry added 11 points and Gary Payton II finished with 10.

The Warriors, who have now lost five of their last six games, dropped to 37-43 and are set to enter the Western Conference play-in tournament as the No. 10 seed.

Both teams were short-handed. Golden State was without Stephen Curry (knee injury management), Kristaps Porzingis (illness and knee), Will Richard (back), and Gui Santos (pelvic contusion), forcing the team to use its 41st different starting lineup this season.

The Lakers also missed several key players, including Luka Doncic (hamstring), Austin Reaves (oblique), Jaxson Hayes (foot), and Marcus Smart (ankle).

Los Angeles built a 28-23 lead after the first quarter behind 12 early points from James and carried a 53-49 advantage into halftime, shooting 59.5 percent from the field. James had 18 points by the break.

The Lakers maintained control in the second half and pulled away decisively in the fourth quarter to secure the win and strengthen their playoff positioning. -Field Level Media/Reuters