James ends long streak in style

Smith Jr. delivered 12 points in 14 minutes offthe bench as the Lakers dug deep into their roster ahead of another game in Boston on Friday.

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REAVES was the driving force for the Lakers with 44 points against Jamison Battle and the Raptors.

(FRANK GUNN Associated Press)

James had last scored in single digits on Jan. 5, 2007, when Milwaukee held him to eight points on three-for-3 shooting in 43 minutes. Cleveland still won that game 95-86 as James dished nine assists.

At 40, James has continued to rely on his playmaking, averaging 7.8 assists in six games since missing the first 14 because of sciatica. James acknowledged he still is finding his rhythm offensively.

He faded into the background of the Lakers’ blowout loss to the Phoenix Suns on Monday, when he barely extended the streak by scoring four of his 10 points in the fourth quarter. He came out aggressively against the Raptors with nine shots by halftime.

But he scored only four points. He missed his first six shots, some even missing the rim.

Behind 22 third-quarter points from Reaves, the Lakers were clinging to a two-point lead entering the fourth. James was “acutely aware” of how many points he had as the game progressed, Redick said. With only six points in the first three quarters, James opened the fourth with two quick three-point attempts. Neither was close to going in.

The first Lakers points in the fourth quarter came from Smith. Of course, he was assisted by James.