Joel Embiid, Sixers hold off LeBron-less Lakers, 126-121

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Joel Embiid had 30 factors and 10 rebounds, James Harden added 24 factors and the Philadelphia 76ers held on for a 126-121 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers with out LeBron James on Wednesday evening.

Two nights after the Sixers surprisingly beat Jap Convention-leading Miami regardless of enjoying with out Embiid and Harden, each stars returned for a tougher-than-expected win over the up-and-down Lakers. Tyrese Maxey scored 21 factors for Philadelphia, which has gained 5 of seven total.

James sat out to relaxation his sore knees, scuttling the potential showdown between the NBA’s main scorer and Embiid, who was a fraction of a degree behind him.

Dwight Howard scored a season-high 24 factors and Malik Monk had 23 for Los Angeles in a spirited effort from the supporting solid, however the Lakers misplaced for the eleventh time in 15 video games to fall 11 video games under .500 once more (31-42).

The ninth-place Lakers are nonetheless within the expanded playoff image, however they’re now assured to complete with their seventh shedding document in 9 years. That’s the identical variety of shedding seasons they’d within the earlier 53 years, beginning after they moved from Minneapolis to Los Angeles in 1960.

Philadelphia led by 14 within the second half, however the Lakers received inside 93-91 heading to the fourth quarter. Los Angeles targeted its protection on Embiid, however Maxey and Tobias Harris hit huge pictures down the stretch as Philly held on.

Russell Westbrook completed with 24 factors, and he received a steal and a layup with 32 seconds left to trim Philadelphia’s result in 4 factors earlier than the Sixers hit their free throws to ice it. Harris scored 9 of his 20 factors within the fourth quarter.

Carmelo Anthony scored 20 factors for LA.

TIP-INS

76ers: DeAndre Jordan had 9 factors and 7 rebounds in his return to face the Lakers, who waived the veteran heart three weeks in the past after he struggled mightily in LA. … Philly’s highway journey continues in opposition to the Clippers and finishes in a showdown with the NBA-leading Phoenix Suns on Sunday.

Lakers: Talen Horton-Tucker sat out for the third time in 4 video games with a sprained left ankle. … In James’ absence, Stanley Johnson scored 13 factors as a starter for the Lakers, who used their thirty fifth beginning lineup of the season, the franchise’s most for the reason that 2013-14 season. … Tremendous Bowl MVP Cooper Kupp watched the sport at courtside together with his spouse, Anna. Kupp is the newest Rams star to catch the Lakers since their championship season ended — however in contrast to Aaron Donald and Matthew Stafford, the Lakers didn’t win for Kupp. … Westbrook handed Lakers nice Elgin Baylor for thirty second place on the NBA’s profession scoring checklist.

LEBRON RESTS

James had performed within the Lakers’ final eight video games regardless of the persistent soreness in his knee, averaging 33.1 factors, 8.9 rebounds and seven.0 assists throughout that stretch whereas attempting to hold Los Angeles into the playoffs. James additionally turned the second-leading scorer in NBA historical past throughout that span.

And whereas coach Frank Vogel stated James didn’t sit out strategically, the choice provides him 5 consecutive days off earlier than Sunday, when the ninth-place Lakers go to the Tenth-place New Orleans Pelicans in an improbably huge recreation for the Lakers’ playoff hopes.

James was honored with a tribute video after the primary quarter for passing Karl Malone on the NBA’s profession scoring checklist. James, who watched from the bench in avenue garments, acknowledged the ovation with a wave.

UP NEXT

76ers: At Clippers on Friday.

Lakers: At Pelicans on Sunday.

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Extra AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

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