CLEVELAND — Donovan Mitchell scored a season-high 43 points and Jarrett Allen returned from injury and added 24 to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 116-102 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night in the only road trip. of LeBron James to his house this season.
Anthony Davis missed the final three quarters with illness and the Cavs improved to 11-1 at home, their best home start since the 2015-16 season, when James led the team to the title.
Mitchell, who has Cleveland fans dreaming they could challenge for the title, took control in the second half with 29 points and the kind of performance James was accustomed to in 11 seasons with the Cavs.
With Cleveland leading by 12 in the fourth quarter, Mitchell hit a 3-pointer to kill the Lakers. After scoring, the All-Star point guard walked down the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse floor with a nod as James watched helplessly.
Darius Garland added 21 points and 11 assists for Cleveland.
James finished with 21 points and 17 rebounds, losing for the third time in 20 games against the Cavs.