The Los Angeles Lakers dominated the Washington Wizards 120-101 behind LeBron James’ triple-double on Monday night.
James dropped 21 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds, while Austin Reaves added 19 points and nine assists.
It was James’ 1,228th career victory, including the playoffs, to tie Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for most in NBA history.
Luke Kennard and Jaxson Hayes each had 19 points off the bench, Deandre Ayton added 12.
On the other hand, Will Riley led the Wizards with 20 points, and Justin Champagnie had 18 as they lost for the 19th time in 20 games.
The Wizards were actually ahead by one point after the first quarter, but Hayes had the final five in an 11-0 flurry early.
Los Angeles improved to 7-6 without Luka Doncic in the lineup, as he is serving a one-game suspension after getting called for his 16th technical foul of the season against Brooklyn on Friday.
The Lakers would have clinched a playoff berth and the Pacific Division title with the win and a Phoenix loss, but the Suns’ 131-105 victory over Memphis delayed the formality of securing a fourth straight trip to the postseason.
Up next: the Wizards host the 76ers on Wednesday, while the Lakers host the Cavaliers on Tuesday.