LeBron James, Steph Curry Thrill Fans with Epic Duel as Lakers Beat Warriors in 2OT

An instant classic featuring two of the NBA's all-time superstars and rivals playing at their peak form ended with LeBron James' Los Angeles Lakers sneaking by Stephen Curry's Golden State Warriors 145-144 in double overtime on Saturday in San Francisco's Chase Center.

James finished with a 36-point, 20-rebound, 12-assist triple-double. He hit two free throws with one second left for the victory. James' 20 boards were a career-high mark for a regular season game for the 21-year veteran, per ESPN's Dave McMenamin.

Curry scored a game-high 46 points. He put the Dubs up 144-143 with 5.2 seconds remaining after this clutch three-pointer:

Both players traded heroics in regulation and overtime.

Curry hit a layup with six seconds left in regulation to force an extra session.

In the first OT, James scored six points, and Curry had five. A Klay Thompson three-pointer tied the game at 130 with seven seconds remaining, later forcing a second OT.

Once there, Curry (eight points) and James (six) traded buckets once again. After James' free throws, the Warriors were in a tough spot with no timeouts left. Golden State could not get a shot off in time, and L.A. earned the win.

James was flanked by Anthony Davis (29 points, 13 rebounds) and D'Angelo Russell (28 points).

For the Warriors, Draymond Green posted a near-triple double with eight points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists, and the Warriors outscored the Lakers by 31 points with him on the floor. Klay Thompson scored 24 points, and Andrew Wiggins and Jonathan Kuminga added 22 apiece.

The story of both teams' seasons is ultimately one of disappointment, with the Lakers hovering around .500 and the Warriors currently on the outside of the play-in picture.

However, for one night at least, fans, analysts and at least one NBA legend could enjoy the greatness of two stars and their teammates trading haymakers in a fantastic game.

Los Angeles (24-23) will now visit the Houston Rockets on Monday at 8 p.m ET. Golden State (19-24) will host the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday at 10 p.m.