Lakers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Match Player Stats: A Comprehensive Analysis of the December 31, 2024 Clash

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The Lakers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Match Player Stats faced off against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Crypto.com Arena in a highly anticipated New Year’s Eve showdown. The game, which ended with a 122-110 victory for the Cavaliers, marked LeBron James’ first appearance since turning 40 and pitted him against the franchise he famously led to its first NBA championship in 2016. With the Cavaliers extending their winning streak to eight games and maintaining their NBA-best 29-4 record, while the Lakers fell to 19-14, the player statistics from this matchup reveal the key performances that shaped the outcome. In this 1500-word article, we’ll dissect the individual stats, highlight standout players, and explore how these numbers reflect the broader narratives of both teams in the 2024-25 NBA season as of early March 2025.

Game Overview

The Lakers entered the contest on the heels of a mixed stretch, sitting at 19-13 before the game and looking to capitalize on their home court against an Eastern Conference powerhouse. The Cavaliers, meanwhile, were riding a wave of dominance, having won 28 of their first 32 games under new head coach Kenny Atkinson. This matchup was more than just a regular-season game—it was a homecoming of sorts for LeBron James, who spent 12 seasons with Cleveland across two stints, and a test for a Lakers squad aiming to solidify its standing in the Western Conference.

The final score of 122-110 underscored Cleveland’s superior execution, particularly in the fourth quarter, where they closed with a 10-3 run to pull away. Let’s break down the player stats that defined this game and analyze the performances that made the difference.

Los Angeles Lakers: Offensive Player Stats

LeBron James (Forward)

Points: 23
Rebounds: 6
Assists: 5
Field Goals: 10/18 (55.6%)
Three-Pointers: 1/5
Free Throws: 2/2
Turnovers: 3

LeBron James, fresh off his 40th birthday on December 30, became the first player in NBA history to appear in a game across three decades—his teens, 30s, and now 40s. Facing his former team, James delivered a solid performance with 23 points on efficient 10-of-18 shooting. His scoring output included a mix of drives to the basket and mid-range jumpers, showcasing his still-elite ability to create his own shot. However, his 1-for-5 mark from beyond the arc reflected a quieter night from deep, and his three turnovers—two in the first half—contributed to Cleveland’s early transition opportunities.

James’ five assists highlighted his playmaking, though the Cavaliers’ defense, particularly Jarrett Allen’s presence in the paint, limited his ability to dominate inside. His six rebounds were below his season average (around 8.0 entering March 2025), a sign that Cleveland’s frontcourt controlled the glass. While James’ stat line was respectable, it wasn’t enough to counter the Cavaliers’ balanced attack, especially in the clutch.

Austin Reaves (Guard)

Points: 35
Rebounds: 9
Assists: 10
Field Goals: 13/20 (65.0%)
Three-Pointers: 5/8
Free Throws: 4/4
Turnovers: 2

Austin Reaves was the Lakers’ standout performer, posting a season-high 35 points alongside nine rebounds and 10 assists for a near triple-double. His 65% field-goal efficiency and 5-of-8 shooting from three-point range demonstrated his growing confidence as a scorer and playmaker. Reaves was particularly effective in the third quarter, where he scored 12 points to keep the Lakers within striking distance, cutting the deficit to 112-107 late in the fourth.

Reaves’ versatility shone through as he attacked off the dribble, hit pull-up jumpers, and found teammates with precision passing. His nine rebounds—unusual for a guard—reflected his hustle, though his two turnovers in critical moments hampered comeback efforts. Despite this career-best outing, Reaves couldn’t carry the Lakers alone against Cleveland’s depth, underscoring the team’s reliance on secondary scoring beyond James and Anthony Davis.

Anthony Davis (Center)

Points: 16
Rebounds: 11
Assists: 2
Field Goals: 6/14 (42.9%)
Blocks: 2
Turnovers: 4

Anthony Davis had an uncharacteristically subdued night offensively, finishing with 16 points on 6-of-14 shooting. Facing Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley, Davis struggled to impose his will in the paint, where Cleveland’s length disrupted his usual dominance. His 11 rebounds, including four offensive, kept the Lakers in the fight on the glass, and his two blocks—including a rejection of Donovan Mitchell in the second quarter—showed his defensive impact.

However, Davis’ four turnovers, three of which came in the first half, fueled Cleveland’s fast-break opportunities, contributing to an early 19-point deficit. His quieter stat line compared to his season averages (around 27 points and 12 rebounds entering March 2025) highlighted a rare off-night against a formidable frontcourt, leaving the Lakers without their typical anchor.

Rui Hachimura (Forward)

Points: 11
Rebounds: 3
Assists: 1
Field Goals: 4/8 (50.0%)
Three-Pointers: 1/2

Rui Hachimura provided a modest contribution off the bench with 11 points on efficient shooting. His 1-for-2 mark from three included a key corner triple in the third quarter that briefly sparked a Lakers run. However, his limited rebounding (three) and minimal playmaking (one assist) reflected a supporting role rather than a game-changing one, as Cleveland’s defense focused on bigger threats.

Los Angeles Lakers: Defensive Struggles

The Lakers’ defense allowed 122 points, including 18 three-pointers, as Cleveland shot 50% from the field and 42.9% (18/42) from deep. James and Davis combined for three blocks, but the team’s perimeter defense faltered against Mitchell and Darius Garland, while Allen and Mobley dominated inside. The Lakers’ 13 turnovers led to 18 points for Cleveland, amplifying their defensive woes.

Cleveland Cavaliers: Offensive Player Stats

Jarrett Allen (Center)

Points: 27
Rebounds: 14
Assists: 2
Field Goals: 11/15 (73.3%)
Blocks: 3
Turnovers: 1

Jarrett Allen was the game’s unsung hero, posting a season-high 27 points on 11-of-15 shooting and grabbing 14 rebounds. His efficiency in the paint overwhelmed Davis and the Lakers’ interior defense, with highlight plays including a fourth-quarter dunk over Davis that pushed the lead to 116-107 with 1:58 remaining. Allen’s three blocks—two against Davis—disrupted the Lakers’ rhythm, while his lone turnover underscored his poise.

Allen’s 14 rebounds, seven offensive, helped Cleveland secure a 44-38 edge on the boards, fueling second-chance points (15 for the game). His dominance inside was a key factor in the Cavaliers’ ability to pull away late, cementing his status as one of the league’s premier big men in 2024-25.

Donovan Mitchell (Guard)

Points: 26
Rebounds: 6
Assists: 5
Field Goals: 9/19 (47.4%)
Three-Pointers: 4/10
Steals: 2

Donovan Mitchell led Cleveland’s backcourt with 26 points, including four three-pointers that stretched the Lakers’ defense. His 9-of-19 shooting wasn’t his most efficient night, but his ability to hit timely shots—like back-to-back threes in the first quarter to build a 19-point lead—set the tone. Mitchell’s five assists and two steals, including a theft off Reaves in the third, showcased his two-way impact.

Mitchell’s 6 rebounds added to his all-around stat line, and his leadership kept the Cavaliers composed as the Lakers mounted a late rally. His 4-for-10 mark from deep tied him with Garland for the team lead in threes made, reflecting Cleveland’s lethal outside shooting.

Evan Mobley (Forward)

Points: 20
Rebounds: 7
Assists: 2
Field Goals: 8/12 (66.7%)
Blocks: 1

Evan Mobley complemented Allen with 20 points on 8-of-12 shooting, thriving in pick-and-roll sets and mid-range opportunities. His 7 rebounds and one block—including a rejection of Hachimura—bolstered Cleveland’s frontcourt dominance. Mobley’s efficiency and versatility, averaging around 18 points and 9 rebounds entering March 2025, made him a matchup nightmare for the Lakers’ smaller lineups.

Darius Garland (Guard)

Points: 14
Rebounds: 3
Assists: 9
Field Goals: 5/12 (41.7%)
Three-Pointers: 4/8

Darius Garland orchestrated Cleveland’s offense with nine assists, many leading to open threes or Allen’s dunks. His 14 points, including 4-of-8 from deep, kept the Lakers’ defense honest, while his 41.7% shooting reflected a balanced approach. Garland’s playmaking was pivotal in Cleveland’s 18-for-42 three-point barrage, which overwhelmed the Lakers’ perimeter defenders.

Cleveland Cavaliers: Defensive Player Stats

Caris LeVert (Guard/Forward)

Points: 11
Rebounds: 4
Assists: 4
Steals: 2

Off the bench, Caris LeVert added 11 points and two steals, disrupting the Lakers’ flow with his length and activity. His four assists and four rebounds rounded out a solid two-way performance, contributing to Cleveland’s depth advantage.

Team Defense

The Cavaliers held the Lakers to 110 points, forcing 13 turnovers and limiting their three-point shooting to 10-of-27 (37.0%). Allen and Mobley’s combined four blocks anchored the paint, while Mitchell and LeVert’s steals fueled a 18-11 edge in points off turnovers.

Key Statistical Takeaways

Three-Point Shooting: Cavaliers 18/42 (42.9%), Lakers 10/27 (37.0%) – Cleveland’s seventh straight game with 18+ threes overwhelmed L.A.’s defense.
Rebounding: Cavaliers 44, Lakers 38 – Allen’s 14 boards and seven offensive rebounds tipped the scales.
Points in the Paint: Cavaliers 52, Lakers 46 – Cleveland’s interior dominance, led by Allen and Mobley, was decisive.
Fast-Break Points: Cavaliers 18, Lakers 11 – Turnovers and transition defense hurt L.A.

Analysis and Implications

For the Lakers, Austin Reaves’ breakout game (35 points, 10 assists) was a bright spot, signaling his potential as a third star alongside James and Davis. However, Davis’ off-night and the team’s inability to contain Cleveland’s three-point barrage exposed defensive vulnerabilities. At 19-14 after the loss, the Lakers remain a playoff contender but need consistency to challenge the West’s elite.

The Cavaliers, improving to 29-4, showcased their championship credentials. Jarrett Allen’s dominance (27 points, 14 rebounds), Donovan Mitchell’s scoring (26 points), and a balanced attack—six players in double figures—highlighted their depth and cohesion. Their 9-0 record against the West entering March 2025 reinforces their status as the NBA’s top team.

Conclusion

The December 31, 2024, Lakers-Cavaliers matchup was a tale of contrasting fortunes. LeBron James’ milestone game was overshadowed by Cleveland’s relentless execution, driven by Jarrett Allen’s interior mastery and a lethal three-point assault. Player stats tell the story: the Lakers fought valiantly behind Reaves’ heroics, but the Cavaliers’ superior balance and defensive tenacity prevailed. As the 2024-25 season progresses, this game serves as a benchmark—Cleveland’s dominance a warning to the league, and the Lakers’ resilience a sign of their potential when at full strength.