Los Angeles (AFP)

Already in "All Star Game" mode for which he was acclaimed, LeBron James managed his tenth triple-double of the season, to allow the Lakers, undisputed leaders in the West, to win in Brooklyn, Thursday in the NBA .

. "LeBron for President"

The votes have spoken: LeBron James received the most votes for the next NBA basketball party to be held in Chicago on February 2. So to celebrate his 16th participation in a row, he led his Lakers to a 36th victory (9 losses) this season on the floor of Brooklyn (128-113).

His triple-double (27 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists), the 91st in his career, was decisive. At his side, Anthony Davis, also selected for the All Star Game, was less rare than the day before in New York, with 16 points and 11 rebounds all the same.

During a controlled match, it was three points that LA also made the difference with 19 shots taken in (out of 38), including 11 by the bench players, its record this season.

Opposite, James' former lieutenant in Cleveland, Kyrie Irving, was limited to 20 points, 4 assists and 3 rebounds. Insufficient to prevent the Nets' fifth consecutive defeat, still 8th in the East but under increasing threat from Detroit and Chicago.

After the meeting, from "King" to president, as he sometimes used to with Barack Obama, LBJ exchanged a few words with Bill Clinton present at the Barclay Center. The latter must have wished him good luck for Saturday since James will have, against Philadelphia, the opportunity to overtake Kobe Bryant in 3rd place in the ranking of the best scorers of all time in the NBA.

With 33,626 points, it is only 17 units from the mark of the former glory of the Lakers. "Being so connected to the greats of this sport means a lot to me. I grew up idolizing Michael (Jordan) and Kobe, drawing inspiration from the work they have done and the stories they have written "said the 35-year-old.

. Dallas and Doncic winners despite Lillard

Luka Doncic, who was also keen to celebrate his selection at All Star Game, his very first at 20, contributed to Dallas' beautiful victory in Portland (133-125), with 27 points, including 20 in the first period, 9 assists and 6 rebounds.

The Mavs, who scored the most halftime points in a game this season to lead 78-63, were then able to contain the pride reaction of the Blazers and Damian Lillard who still released the artillery with 47 points (16/28 on fire, including 8/15 long distance) three days after breaking their personal best (61) against Golden State after extra time.

The meeting was also a shooting festival behind the arc with 22 successful by Dallas against 21 by Portland. In the end, despite the contribution of Trevor Ariza just arrived in Oregon (21 pts), the Texans had a little more collective resources with Kristaps Porzingis author of 20 points, Seth Curry and Jalen Brunson 17 each.

Dallas (28-16) retains only 5th place in the West, Portland (19-27) remains 10th, still far from the play-offs.

. Beal still pays his bill

In the third game of the day, Washington returned to victory (124-112) on the Cleveland floor, whose streak was brought to six.

The Wizards, who shot 55.3% success, were brought by point guard Bradley Beal, author of 36 points, 15/22 on shots, and 8 assists. He had scored 38 the day before in the overtime loss to Miami (134-129). Ian Mahinmi, still holder, managed 7 points and 7 rebounds.

On the Cavs side, Collin Sexton floated with 29 points to 10 out of 15 in the shoots, while Kevin Love scored 21.

The results of the North American Basketball Championship (NBA) after the matches played on Thursday:

Brooklyn - LA Lakers 113 - 128

Portland - Dallas 125 - 133

Cleveland - Washington 112 - 124

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