LeBron shines in return from 17-game absence

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James returned to the court Thursday night after missing 17 games due to a groin injury, and he led his team to a 123-120 overtime win against the Los Angeles Clippers. James scored 24 points, matched his season high with 14 rebounds and handed out nine assists while playing 40 minutes.

The Lakers went 6-11 without James, a four-time NBA Most Valuable Player who entered the night averaging 27.3 points, 8.3 rebounds and 7.1 assists in 34 games in his first season with the team. While James was to be closely watched for signs effects of the injury, Lakers coach Luke Walton said James would not have any minutes restrictions. James was in the starting lineup, and he played 16 minutes in the first half, compiling five points, five rebounds and four assists.

James, who was hurt in the Lakers' win over Golden State on Dec. 25, was initially listed as out for the Thursday night game on Wednesday, and then upgraded to doubtful on Thursday morning. Clippers coach Doc Rivers called James' return "the worst-kept secret of maybe ever. Maybe I'm not just a trusting soul. I just thought it was too obvious when yesterday out of nowhere he's out. Usually you don't hear it that early. I told our coaches then, he's in."

With the win, the Lakers pulled within one game of the Clippers for the eighth and final Western Conference playoff spot. --Field Level Media

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