LOS ANGELES (AP) —LeBron James orchestrated a remarkable comeback for the Los Angeles Lakers, propelling them to a thrilling 116-112 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers. Trailing by 21 points, the Lakers mounted an astonishing resurgence, with James exhibiting his brilliance, particularly in the fourth quarter, where he scored 19 of his 34 points.

In the pivotal moments, James showcased his scoring prowess, sinking five of his season-high seven 3-pointers. His dominance was highlighted by outscoring the entire Clippers team by himself in the final quarter, tallying 19 points compared to the Clippers’ 16. Throughout the period, James played a pivotal role in 11 of the Lakers’ 13 baskets, either scoring or assisting.

Reflecting on his performance, James attributed his success to a state of flow, where every shot felt destined to find the net. He emphasized his adherence to the team’s offensive strategy and credited his teammates for consistently finding him in scoring positions.

“It’s just a feeling when you feel like everything you put up is going in,” James said. “I just kept it consistent. I wasn’t taking ill-advised shots. I stayed in the course of the offense. My teammates did a great job of continuing to find me, and I just tried to dictate the tempo, dictate the game. … It’s just a zone. Can’t really describe it. Wish you could stay in it forever.”

Despite the Clippers’ strong start and commanding lead, they faltered in the fourth quarter, succumbing to turnovers and defensive lapses. Missing key players like Paul George and Ivica Zubac, the Clippers couldn’t withstand the Lakers’ late surge.

Clippers coach Tyronn Lue acknowledged the disappointment of the loss but remained optimistic, emphasizing the team’s resilience and the need to bounce back.

The Lakers’ victory not only secured a memorable comeback but also marked their dominance over the Clippers this season, winning three out of four matchups. This triumph also holds significance as it’s the first time since 2011-12 that the Lakers have won the season series against their cross-town rivals.

The game held added significance as it marked the final regular-season clash between the two teams at the iconic Staples Center, their shared home for the past 25 years. With the Clippers set to move to the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, the era of co-tenancy comes to an end, signaling a new chapter for both franchises.

While the Lakers have historically held sway in Los Angeles, the Clippers have steadily narrowed the gap, consistently finishing with better regular-season records in recent years. However, the ultimate measure of success in the NBA, a championship, still eludes them.

As the regular season concludes, the possibility looms of a playoff showdown between these two fierce rivals, a scenario that has yet to materialize but remains a tantalizing prospect for basketball fans.