LA Lakers overcome 122-119 Phoenix Suns in NBA In-Season Tournament opener as LeBron James sets unwanted record

LA Lakers began their NBA In-Season Tournament campaign with a 122-119 victory over the Phoenix Suns, as LeBron James set an unwanted career record.

James produced another stellar display after amassing 32 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists, but also committed his 5,000th career turnover - the first player in NBA history to reach that number.

Grayson Allen profited from this steal in the second quarter to increase the Suns' lead after already winning by a 51-40 margin at the time.

It is an unwanted haul for James, but it counts very little given the countless passes James has attempted during a glittering career at the highest level.

Nonetheless, it was a memorable night for the Lakers against a Suns side that failed to see the game out.

They led 96-89 at the conclusion of the third quarter, as Durant scored nine points in the space of 71 seconds amid a 38-point haul during the entirety of the match.

The Lakers came into their own in the fourth quarter after going on 11-0 run to take the victory.

It was another memorable night for Anthony Davis, who scored 18 points for the Lakers in their first away win at their last sixth attempts.

Elsewhere in the competition, Dallas Mavericks overcame Los Angeles Clippers 144-126, with Kyrie Irving taking 27 points for the Texan hosts.

Joel Embiid took 33 points in a 114-106 victory for Philadelphia 76ers against the Detroit Pistons - their seventh straight win.

The Minnesota Timberwolves secured a fifth consecutive victory, as Karl-Anthony Towns scored 29 points in a 117-110 win over the San Antonio Spurs. Victor Wembanyama's 29 points could not stop the Spurs from succumbing to defeat on this occasion.

Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 104-101 and the Charlotte Hornets beat the Washington Wizards 124-117.

Finally, the Sacramento Kings overcame the Oklahoma City Thunder 105-98, and the Utah Jazz prevailed past the Memphis Grizzlies 127-121.

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