On January 22, 2025, Beijing time, the Lakers, with a record of 22 wins and 18 losses, faced the Wizards at home, who had a record of 6 wins and 35 losses. The Lakers were eager to bounce back after their defeat against the Clippers in their previous game. Facing the Wizards, who were at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, the Lakers needed to secure a win. Could they do it? The Lakers' starting lineup was Reeves, Christie, Hachimura, James, and Davis, while the Wizards were missing Brogdon and Shangpani, with their starting lineup being Poole, Carlington, Culibaly, Kuzma, and Sar.
In the first quarter, Culibaly dunked, followed by a response from Hachimura. Poole scored six consecutive points, which were answered by Christie, Davis, and James, giving the Lakers an 11-8 lead. Kuzma and Sar added points for the Wizards, but Davis, Reeves, and Finney-Smith responded, extending the Lakers' lead to six points. Carlington and Kispert continued to score for the Wizards, but Davis, Hayes, James, and Reeves responded, ending the first quarter with the Lakers leading 29-23.
In the second quarter, James hit a three-pointer, giving the Lakers a nine-point lead. Valan made a mid-range shot, which was followed by responses from Hayes and Reeves, increasing the lead to 11 points. George, Kispert, and Kuzma narrowed the gap to three points, but James and Davis extended the lead to ten points. Culibaly, Sar, and Poole scored for the Wizards, while Davis and Finney-Smith responded with a three-pointer, giving the Lakers a 13-point lead. Sar and Poole added more points, but Reeves made two free throws, ending the half with the Lakers leading 59-49.
In the third quarter, Culibaly made a layup, reducing the lead to eight points. Davis and James then scored five consecutive points, increasing the lead to 13 points. Kuzma scored four points for the Wizards, but Davis, Hachimura, Christie, and James responded, extending the lead to 18 points. Kispert, Valan, and Culibaly scored for the Wizards, but Davis and Hayes responded, maintaining a 17-point lead. Culibaly narrowed the gap to nine points, but James made two free throws. Valan made a putback, and Vincent hit a three-pointer, ending the third quarter with the Lakers leading 89-77.
In the fourth quarter, George hit a three-pointer, reducing the lead to nine points. Finney-Smith and Reeves then scored eight consecutive points, increasing the lead to 17 points. Kispert and Poole hit three-pointers for the Wizards, but Hayes and Reeves responded, keeping the lead at 15 points. Kispert made a layup, but Hachimura, Davis, and Reeves responded, extending the lead to 19 points. With two minutes left in the game, the suspense was lost, and the Lakers ultimately won 111-88 against the Wizards.
Davis scored 29 points, 16 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 blocks on 14 of 22 shooting. James scored 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 13 assists on 8 of 18 shooting, becoming the first player over 40 years old in NBA history to record a 20+ triple-double. Finney-Smith scored 16 points and 2 rebounds on 6 of 8 shooting (4 of 6 from three-point range), setting a new scoring record for his career with the Lakers. Reeves contributed 16 points, 2 rebounds, and 8 assists, while Hachimura added 9 points and 5 rebounds.
Kuzma scored 12 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists on 5 of 13 shooting. Poole scored 15 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists on 5 of 18 shooting. Culibaly contributed 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Kispert added 15 points and 4 rebounds. Sar scored 10 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 blocks.
After the victory, the Lakers remained in sixth place in the Western Conference, only half a game behind the Clippers.