Lakers defeat Celtics 114-112 in heavyweight NBA game

LeBron James hits clutch jumper with 30 seconds remaining to lead Lakers to victory against Celtics

By Muhammed Enes Calli

ANKARA (AA) - Los Angeles Lakers All-Star player LeBron James dropped 29 points and hit the game winner jumper in a heavyweight NBA game against the Boston Celtics on Sunday night.

James nailed go-ahead 2-pointer with 30 seconds remaining for a 114-112 victory against the Celtics at the Staples Center.

Lakers’ another superstar player Anthony Davis was unstoppable by posting a double-double with 32 points and 13 rebounds.

Kyle Kuzma came off the bench to add 16 points and 4 rebounds for the Lakers.

On the losing side, Jason Tatum dropped 41 points and grabbed 5 points, becoming the highest scorer for the Celtics.

Jaylen Brown played with 20 points and 6 rebounds as Daniel Theis produced 16 points and 9 rebounds.

The Lakers improved to 43 wins and 12 defeats, to sit top of the Western Conference following this victory.

The Celtics, meanwhile, dropped to 39 victories and 17 losses, to be in the third place in the Eastern Conference.

- Raptors cruise to easy win against Pacers

The Toronto Raptors had a comfortable win at the Scotiabank Arena by defeating the Indiana Pacers 127-81 in another clash on Sunday.

Pascal Siakam scored 21 points for the Raptors as the franchise recorded their 13th consecutive home victory this season.

Meanwhile Serge Ibaka posted a double-double with 15 points and 15 rebounds while Kyle Lowry produced 16 points and 11 assists for the defending NBA champions.

Domantas Sabonis scored 14 points and grabbed 11 rebounds for the Pacers.

Separately, the Milwaukee Bucks became the first team to clinch a playoff spot after the Washington Wizards lost to Chicago Bulls 126-117 on Sunday.

The Bucks also clinched the earliest playoff post on Feb. 23, beating the prior mark of Feb. 25.

Results:

*Los Angeles Lakers - Boston Celtics: 114-112

*Toronto Raptors - Indiana Pacers: 127-81

*Denver Nuggets - Minnesota Timberwolves: 128-116

*Chicago Bulls - Washington Wizards: 126-117

*Oklahoma City Thunder - San Antonio Spurs: 131-103

*Golden State Warriors - New Orleans Pelicans: 101-115

*Portland Trail Blazers - Detroit Pistons: 107-104

*Home team