NBA: LeBron Stars As Lakers Drown Grizzlies

LeBron James led the Los Angeles Lakers to a 117-111 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday.

James forced overtime with a layup before scoring late in the extra period to extend the Lakers’ lead in the Western Conference playoffs to 3-1.

He also had a career-high 20 rebounds, while Austin Reaves led the seventh-seeded Lakers with 23 points.

In game five on Wednesday, the Lakers can clinch victory and eliminate the Grizzlies.

It is the first time since Shaquille O’Neal in 2004 that a Lakers player has had 20 or more points and rebounds in a single playoff game.

D’Angelo Russell also scored 17 points for the Lakers, including three long-range three-pointers in the fourth quarter.

Earlier on Monday, Jimmy Butler scored an impressive 56 points as Miami Heat beat the Milwaukee Bucks 119-114 in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Butler’s haul is the joint fourth-highest individual points tally in playoff history.

Speaking after the game, Butler credited his performance to his teammates.

“This legit was a complete team effort,” said the six-time NBA all-star.

“I know everybody sees the 56 points, but if my teammates aren’t looking to get me the ball, or setting great screens where I can get to my right or my left or the free throw line, this game’s a lot different.