LeBron James stats tonight: How did the 4x NBA champion fare against Celtics in rivalry week showdown? (Jan. 23)

LeBron James, in the words of game callers Reggie Miller and Kevin Harlan had a "pep in his step" as his 20-point double-double with 14 rebounds propelled the LA Lakers to a 117-96 win over the Boston Celtics. The four-time NBA champion's solid play on both ends of the floor saw the side get past longtime rivals in emphatic fashion.

James had a productive first quarter, including a dunk as the LA Lakers capitalized on the Boston Celtics' rusty offense in the first quarter at the Crypto.com Arena. LeBron exploded for eight points in 8:44 in the first stretch as LA eked out a slim 34-23 lead. He ended his half with 12 points, seven rebounds and two assists as the Lakers entered the locker room with a solid 67-48 lead.

James was his usual explosive self in the second half as he ended his evening with 20 points, 14 boards and six assists on 9-20 shooting. LeBron came into the game averaging 23.7 points, 7.5 rebounds and 9.0 assists.

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LeBron James hopes the Lakers "will trend up" in the remaining games

With the LA Lakers sitting fifth in the West with a 24-18 record, LeBron James hoped that the side would trend up with the remaining 42 games in the regular season.

The Lakers will need help if they intend to make the playoffs, and not via the play-in. Their position has been such that they have been guilty of throwing away winning games and making a last-minute dash with overreliance on James and Anthony Davis.

With the side expected to make moves of some degree before the deadline, LA and James will hope that the side gets a bonafide center and a reliable shooter to be able to add more teeth on both ends of the floor.

LeBron James continues to be a freight train at 40, but the Lakers will need to put the right pieces around him and Davis if they look at a title as the major objective. For now, the forward will hope that LA can build another winning streak and put away the Golden State Warriors up next.