LEBRON JAMES became the oldest LA Lakers player to score 40 points in a single game since KOBE BRYANT's farewell appearance in 2016 as the Lakers beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 115-108.

The 36-year-old, playing on the eve of the first anniversary of BRYANT's death, finished on a season high 46 points, which was his second-highest total as a Laker and the most against his first NBA team.

JAMES, playing for the second time in Cleveland since he switched to the Lakers in 2018, scored 13 points in the final four minutes and also added eight rebounds, six assists, two steals and two blocks in the game.

The performance helped the Lakers pull away and claim a 10th win out of 10 on the road this season. They play next in Philadelphia, Bryant's birthplace, on Wednesday in what will be an emotional occasion..