In order to finish this six-game trip with a back-to-back, the Lakers needed a “get-right game” following their season-high five-game winning run, which ended Friday.

That Sunday night proved to be as LeBron James led the Lakers to a 116-104 victory over the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center, scoring a season-high-tying 40 points, including 17 in the fourth quarter.

The Lakers (42–33) controlled the first few minutes of the game, keeping the Nets scoreless in the first half of the first quarter. This led to an early 17–0 lead for the Lakers, which they later increased to 31–7, and a 72–46 lead early in the third quarter.

However, Cam Thomas (30 points and six assists) ensured that the Nets did not lose in silence by organizing a 9-2 run that cut Brooklyn’s lead to 90-79 entering the fourth quarter. Thomas made a 3-pointer to start the fourth quarter and trim the Lakers’ lead to 90-82.

James took over from there.

With 10:50 left, James made back-to-back 3-pointers to give the Lakers a 96-82 advantage.

With six minutes remaining, James scored five more points to put more pressure on the Nets defense. He then made his third and fourth three-pointers of the game, one of which was a fadeaway from the corner, to give the Lakers a 111-93 advantage.James matched his career-high of nine 3-pointers made against the Clippers on January 24, 2023, by going 9-for-10 against the Nets.

14 rebounds and 24 points (9-for-12 shooting) were provided by Anthony Davis. A 20 point, 10 rebound double-double was recorded by Rui Hachimura. Austin Reaves ended with 12 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists, while D’Angelo Russell finished with 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists.

All but two of the Lakers’ total points were scored by their starting lineup.

With two points, Gabe Vincent was the only player off the bench to score after missing the previous 46 games due to knee surgery on December 27.

The Lakers play the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday and the Washingtоn Wizards on Wednesday to wrap out their road trip.