LeBron James's Grit leads to 40 points victory over Thunder

LeBron James showed no signs of slowing down as he led the Los Angeles Lakers to a 129-120 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday with a season-high 40 points.

Grit of a Tiger

The 38-year-old was unstoppable on offense, becoming the first player in their 21st NBA season to score 40 points in a game, shooting 13-for-20 from the field and making all five of his three-pointers. He also grabbed seven rebounds and dished out seven assists.

"This was a big win for us," James said after the game, according to ESPN. "We wanted to finish the road trip strong. We faced a team that has been playing very well this season and we stepped up."

The Lakers had lost four games in a row and needed a win to bounce back. Coach Darvin Ham changed the starting lineup to improve the defense.

The move worked, as Ham praised "the size and physicality" of his team, which dominated the Thunder and led by 12 points at halftime.

D'Angelo Russell, who came off the bench, added 15 points in 18 minutes, while Anthony Davis had 26 points and Rui Hachimura had 21 points.

But it was James who sealed the deal, scoring 11 points in the last 4:29 to secure the win after the Thunder had reduced the Lakers' lead from 26 to just eight points midway through the fourth quarter.

The Thunder had won three games in a row, but they could not match the Lakers, despite 34 points from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and 28 points from Jalen Williams.

"I'm just looking forward to tomorrow's day off," James said later. "I don't care about Monday. The only thing I care about Monday is my daughter opening her gifts. That's it.

"Don't even talk to me about Christmas Day right now. Christmas Eve is what I'm excited for. I'm ready to get on this couch and relax."

The Lakers will play the Boston Celtics at home on Christmas day.