LeBron James rallies Lakers to comeback victory over Suns in NBA

LOS ANGELES — LeBron James delivered a vintage performance to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a dramatic comeback victory over the Phoenix Suns on Sunday night, overturning a double-digit deficit and energising the home crowd in a tightly contested NBA clash.

The Lakers trailed for much of the game as the Suns controlled the tempo early, moving the ball efficiently and capitalising on defensive lapses. Phoenix built momentum through consistent perimeter shooting and aggressive drives to the basket, forcing Los Angeles into foul trouble and rushed possessions.

That changed in the second half, when James took command. The 39-year-old forward elevated his intensity on both ends of the floor, pushing the pace, attacking mismatches and anchoring the Lakers’ defensive response. His leadership sparked a run that quickly erased the deficit and swung momentum firmly in Los Angeles’ favour.

James repeatedly found teammates in scoring positions while also asserting himself offensively, hitting timely shots and finishing through contact. The Lakers tightened their defence late in the third quarter, limiting the Suns’ scoring opportunities and forcing turnovers that translated into fast-break points.

Phoenix attempted to respond in the final period, but the Lakers’ energy proved decisive. With James orchestrating the offence, Los Angeles maintained composure down the stretch, executing key plays and converting crucial free throws to secure the win.

Speaking after the game, Lakers head coach praised James’ influence, calling his performance “the heartbeat of the comeback.” Teammates echoed the sentiment, highlighting his ability to read the game and lift the entire squad during critical moments.

The victory provides a timely boost for the Lakers as they continue to navigate a demanding stretch of the regular season. It also reinforced James’ enduring impact, as he continues to play a central role despite being in his 21st NBA campaign.

For the Suns, the loss marked a missed opportunity after a strong opening half. Coaches pointed to lapses in defensive discipline and execution as key factors that allowed the Lakers back into the contest.

As the NBA season progresses, the performance serves as another reminder that when games tighten and pressure mounts, LeBron James remains capable of changing outcomes and keeping the Lakers firmly in the playoff conversation.