LOS ANGELES — At 41 years old, LeBron James once again reminded the NBA why he remains one of basketball's most dominant forces, posting 28 points, eight rebounds and seven assists to lead the short-handed Los Angeles Lakers to a 101-94 victory over the Houston Rockets in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series on Tuesday night.

The win at Crypto.com Arena gave the Lakers a commanding 2-0 series lead heading into Game 3 in Houston on Friday. Without injured stars Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, James shouldered a heavy load alongside Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard, delivering a vintage performance that included a game-sealing dunk and a crucial three-pointer during a decisive 15-0 run.

James' stat line added to his growing collection of records for players aged 40 or older in the postseason. He became the only player over 40 to lead a playoff game in points, rebounds and assists, while also setting marks for most playoff points, rebounds and assists per game by a player in that age group. The performance drew immediate comparisons to his prime years, with fans and analysts marveling at his efficiency and basketball IQ against a young, athletic Rockets roster.

Marcus Smart provided explosive support with 25 points, including five three-pointers, seven assists and five steals. The veteran guard became the first player in Lakers history to record at least 25 points, five threes and five steals in a postseason game. Luke Kennard added 23 points, continuing his hot shooting from Game 1 where he dropped a career playoff-high 27.

The Lakers built momentum in the second half after a tightly contested first quarter. Houston, bolstered by Kevin Durant's return from a brief knee injury, kept the game close early. Durant finished with 23 points,........

© International Business Times