Key Takeaways:
- LeBron James scored 29 points, including a crucial late three-pointer, as Los Angeles Lakers defeated Philadelphia 76ers 112-108 on Sunday night
- Luka Doncic recorded a triple-double with 31 points, 15 rebounds and 11 assists in his return after missing two games
- Joel Embiid struggled from the field, converting just 4 of 21 attempts for 16 points, while Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 28 points
Match Analysis
The Los Angeles Lakers secured a 112-108 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on Sunday, highlighted by a decisive late-game surge from LeBron James. With the score tied at 105 following an 18-foot jumper by Joel Embiid, James immediately responded by sinking a go-ahead three-pointer with 1 minute 12 seconds remaining. He extended the advantage on the ensuing possession with a 20-foot jumper to push the lead to 110-105, sealing a hard-fought road win for the Lakers.
Battled for it & got it done. pic.twitter.com/4Vq0sDkPuP
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) December 8, 2025
Luka Doncic made a significant impact in his return after missing the previous two games due to paternity leave in Slovenia. Doncic topped all scorers with 31 points and was dominant on the boards, securing 15 rebounds while also dishing out 11 assists, notching his latest triple-double. Tyrese Maxey was Philadelphia’s standout, contributing 28 points, while Embiid endured a challenging evening, shooting just 4 of 21 from the field but remaining perfect at 6 of 6 on free throws.
Player Performance and Milestones
James made his comeback following an absence in the Lakers’ previous outing against Boston due to sciatica and left foot joint arthritis which had kept him out for the first 14 games of the campaign. He surpassed 10 points by the second quarter, after an uncharacteristic single-digit scoring performance (eight points) in Toronto that snapped his 1,297 game double-digit streak. The night also saw James deliver an emphatic dunk in the first half, thrilling the Philadelphia crowd, and later having a shot blocked by Embiid just before half-time.
For the 76ers, Embiid neither allowed persistent knee issues nor the occasion to hamper his participation, facing his gold medal teammate from the 2024 Paris Games and the Lakers. Despite a difficult shooting stretch in the opening half (1 of 11), he maintained composure at the line and finished the fixture with 16 points.
| Team | Top Scorer | Points | Other Key Stats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Lakers | Luka Doncic | 31 | 15 rebounds, 11 assists (triple-double) |
| Los Angeles Lakers | LeBron James | 29 | Go-ahead 3-pointer, crucial late 20-foot jumper |
| Philadelphia 76ers | Tyrese Maxey | 28 | 7 rebounds, 9 assists |
| Philadelphia 76ers | Joel Embiid | 16 | 4/21 FG, 6/6 FT |
Looking Ahead
The Lakers will host San Antonio on Wednesday night in an NBA Cup quarterfinal showdown. The 76ers are set to welcome Indiana to Philadelphia on Friday night.
