Lakers player grades: The birthday man leads L.A. to victory

The Lakers got a much-needed win on Friday, and they were powered by a 38-year-old birthday man named LeBron James.

LeBron James turned 38 on Friday, and a couple of days ago, it prompted him to muse about where he is in his career and the lack of help around him.

The Los Angeles Lakers’ road trip continued on Friday with a game versus the Atlanta Hawks, and James played like a man who had just turned 28.

Thanks to his big night as well as some inspired team defense and a spirited mindset, Los Angeles earned a much-needed win over Trae Young and company, 130-121.

It trailed by double digits in the second quarter, but it took control in the third quarter with the help of its classic weapon, the fast break, which produced 23 points in total.

The team is 2-2 on this trip, and it will have the opportunity to end it with a winning record when it plays the Charlotte Hornets (10-26) on Monday.