LeBron James and the Lakers keep their NBA playoff hopes alive as the Los Angeles star scores 30 points in a 119-108 win over the Nuggets to cut the series deficit to 3-1 and set up the crucial Game 5. .

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

The Lakers entered the game with a 3-0 deficit in the first round series of the Western Conference playoffs. James had never been on a team eliminated from the postseason in the first round.

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

James has proven to still be one of the best players in the league, even as he turned 40 at the end of this calendar year.

While his Lakers still have to win their next three games against Denver, one of the best teams in the NBA, James showed it can be done, making 14 of 23 field goals.

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

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