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Indianapolis (AP) - The Los Angeles Lakers celebrated an important victory with the return of basketball superstar LeBron James and national player Dennis Schröder.

With the 122: 115 (64:56) in the penultimate game of the regular season at the Indiana Pacers, the defending champion saved the chance to qualify directly for the playoffs of the NBA.

Otherwise, the detour via the pre-playoffs of the North American league would be necessary.

James recently had problems with an ankle injury.

Schröder was in quarantine after a person in his environment tested positive for the corona virus.

Before the game, coach Frank Vogel said the build-up player was doing well, he needed less time to acclimatize than other players after a break and would prefer to be on the field for the entire game.

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The 27-year-old finally set the end point with two converted free throws at the end of the game and got 14 points in just under 27 minutes.

James scored 24 points, the best thrower for the Lakers, who had to fear for success in the closing stages, was Anthony Davis with 28 points.

© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210515-99-613102 / 2

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