LeBron James, Lakers rout Warriors 127-97, take 2-1 series lead

LOS ANGELES(AP) — Anthony Davis had 25 points and 13 rebounds, a slow-startingLeBron James finished with 21 points, eight assists and eightrebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers took a 2-1 lead in theirsecond-round playoff series with a 127-97 victory over the GoldenState Warriors in Game 3 on Saturday night.

D’AngeloRussell hit five 3-pointers while scoring 21 points for theseventh-seeded Lakers, who remained unbeaten at home in thepostseason with a strong defensive effort against the reigning NBAchampions.

Jamesdidn’t take a shot in the first quarter for the first time in hisNBA-record 275 playoff appearances, but he warmed up in time tolead several runs in the second and third quarters while LosAngeles pulled away.

StephenCurry scored 23 points and Andrew Wiggins had 16 in a collectivestinker for the Warriors, who committed 19 turnovers and nevermounted a response to the Lakers on either end in the second half.Golden State went 13 for 44 on 3-pointers — making just 10 whilethe game was still competitive — after hitting 21 in each of theseries’ first two games in San Francisco.

Game 4 isMonday night in Los Angeles.

Davis hadan impressive bounce-back game under both baskets aftercontributing minimally in Game 2, blocking four shots and leadingthe Lakers’ latest strong defensive effort. Los Angeles has builtits 16-5 run since March 17 on defense, and the Warriors couldn’thit enough shots from the perimeter to counteract theirdisadvantages in size and athleticism.

KlayThompson had 15 points and seven rebounds for the Warriors, but therest of the roster beyond their top three scorers struggledmightily, combining for just 18 points before coach Steve Kerrpulled his starters with 9:11 to play. Draymond Green had twopoints in 23 minutes while playing with foul trouble.

TheWarriors were held under 100 points for only the fifth time in 92games this season.

The rivalssplit two games in San Francisco to open the series, with theWarriors earning a 27-point blowout victory in Game 2 afterdropping the opener.

But thismuch-anticipated playoff rematch between generational superstarsJames and Curry has featured more garbage time than memorablethrills in the past two games. After Lakers coach Darvin Ham satdown his stars before the fourth quarter of Game 2, Kerr pulled theplug while facing a 26-point deficit early in the fourth quarter ofGame 3.

James beganGame 3 making a clear effort to be a playmaker, but he didn’t eventake his first shot until 8:02 remained in the first half. He hit afree throw for his first point with 6:32 left, and he subsequentlyled a rally that pushed the Lakers in front to stay.

JaMychalGreen stayed in the Warriors’ starting lineup even with KevonLooney available to play in Game 3. Looney missed Game 2 with anillness.

FIGHTON

James’ son,Bronny, announced his decisiontoplay at the University of Southern Californiaabout twohours before tipoff. The 18-year-old was among the top uncommittedrecruits in the nation, and he chose to stay close to home with aloaded Trojans team coming off its third straight NCAA Tournamentappearance. Bronny James, USC hoops coach Andy Enfield and Trojansfootball coach Lincoln Riley all attended Game 3.

TIP-INS

Warriors:The Los Angeles-born Thompson grew up a Lakers fan in OrangeCounty, and this series is his first chance to play against the17-time NBA champion franchise in the postseason. His father,Mychal, is the Lakers’ radio color commentator, and his brother,Trayce, plays for the Dodgers. ... Andre Iguodala has increased hisworkload and should return to practice next week, Kerr said. Theveteran has been out since March 13 after having surgery on hisleft wrist. He isn’t likely to play in this series, but couldreturn later in the postseason. ... Moses Moody got a flagrant foulin the second quarter for tripping Davis while lying on the groundafter Davis blocked his shot.

Lakers:James passed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for fifth place on the NBA’scareer playoff rebounding list. ... Backup center Mo Bamba missedhis third straight game with a left ankle injury. ... Anothercelebrity-laden sellout crowd gathered for the Lakers’ longestplayoff run in their home arena since 2012. Fans near courtsideincluded Michael B. Jordan, Kim Kardashian, Woody Harrelson, DonCheadle, Dustin Hoffman, Nia Long, Adele, Andy Garcia, Kevin Hartand quarterback Bryce Young, the Pasadena native and No. 1 overallpick by Carolina in last month’s NFL draft.