LeBron, Hachimura Power Lakers Past Warriors

LeBron James and Rui Hachimura combined for 38 points to lift the Lakers past the Warriors at Crypto.com Arena on Saturday, a game played without Stephen Curry, who has been sidelined with patellofemoral pain syndrome commonly called "runner's knee," and Luka Dončić, out with a left hamstring strain. James finished with 20 points, seven rebounds and 10 assists while Hachimura shot 70 percent for 18. The Lakers improved to 32-19 and kept pace with Houston for fourth in the West; Golden State slipped to 28-25. Merlin sees a clear lesson: availability and role players decide nights like this. Moses Moody led Golden State with 25, but the Warriors missed a true go-to without Curry. Los Angeles got timely production from Marcus Smart and Austin Reaves and a steady hand from LeBron. Upcoming matchups — Golden State’s homestand and LA’s test against top-seeded OKC — will reveal whether this was a statement or a single bright night.