NBA roundup: LeBron scores 39 for sizzling Lakers

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James helps Russell Westbrook after Westbrook was fouled by San Antonio Spurs forward Zach Collins. Mandatory credit Daniel Dunn –USA Today Sports.

LeBron James scored a season-high 39 points — 16 of them in a decisive stretch — as the visiting Los Angeles Lakers defeated the San Antonio Spurs 143-138 on Saturday in the second game of a back-to-back between the teams.

The Lakers played without Anthony Davis, who has a left calf contusion, and Patrick Beverley, sitting out the second of a three-game suspension. But James and Dennis Schroder were plenty tough to handle as Los Angeles won for the fifth time in its past six games.