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LeBron credits 4th-quarter outburst to courtside Cavs exec who chirped him

David Liam Kyle / National Basketball Association / Getty

LeBron James felt a little inspired when he hung 21 fourth-quarter points on the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Los Angeles Lakers' win Monday.

James said postgame he didn't enjoy a Cavaliers executive taking pleasure in his missed shot to end the third quarter, which prompted him to go on a tear in the final frame.

"It was someone I know, for sure. I felt he was just a little bit too excited about seeing me miss. That's what happened," he said, according to Spectrum SportsNet.

James tried to convert a contested, turnaround jumper at the buzzer but could only find the rim. As he walked away from the play, the Lakers star was seen staring someone down courtside.

When asked to elaborate on the individual's identity, James only specified that the person in question was a member of Cleveland's "front-office group."

"He was really excited about me missing that shot," he added. "A little bit more extra than I would have liked. He's got to root for his team, obviously, and he showcased that. I knew I had another quarter and the fourth quarter is my favorite."

James finished the night with 46 points, setting a new season high. No one on either team scored more than four points in the fourth quarter. The Lakers won 115-108.

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