LeBron James and the Lakers keep their NBA playoff hopes alive as LA's star man puts up 30 points in 119-108 win over the Nuggets to reduce series deficit to 3-1 and set up crucial fifth game

LeBron James scored 30 points to help the Los Angeles Lakers stave off elimination with a 119-108 win over the Denver Nuggets on Saturday night. 

The Lakers came into the game facing a 3-0 deficit in the Western Conference first-round playoff series. James had never been on a team swept out of the postseason in the first round. 

Los Angeles also avoided being swept in the playoffs by the Nuggets for the second straight season.

James has proven to still be one of the league's premier players, even with turning 40 at the end of this calendar year. 

While his Lakers still have to win the next three against Denver, one of the NBA's best teams, James proved it can be done, while shooting 14-for-23 from the field. 

Game 5 takes place on Monday in Denver, where the Nuggets will look to close out the series at home. 

Anthony Davis had a phenomenal game for Los Angeles, finishing with a double-double of 25 points and 23 rebounds. 

Rui Hachimura was the only Lakers starter to not score at least 20 points in the game. 

Austin Reaves and D'Angelo Russell each finished the game with 21 points.  

Unsurprisingly, Nikola Jokic led all scorers with 33 points for the Nuggets. 

The Nuggets supporting cast of Michael Porter Jr. and Jamal Murray scored 27 and 22 points respectively. 

James is a four-time NBA champion, but has not won an NBA title in front of a live crowd since 2016. 

His only title with the Lakers came during the height of the coronavirus pandemic, with the 2020 NBA playoffs taking place in a bubble.  

Bronny James, the USC star freshman and LeBron's eldest son, declared for the NBA Draft earlier this month. Bronny also maintains his college eligibility and entered the NCAA's transfer portal as well. 

LeBron has long expressed a desire to play in the NBA with his son, as a window only exists for a few years for that to happen. LeBron suiting up for a fourth NBA franchise is on the table to facilitate his dream.