LeBron James was full of praise for Matthew Stafford after he led the Los Angeles Rams to a crucial victory over the red-hot Minnesota Vikings on Thursday, with Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp making timely returns from injury.

Two-time Pro Bowl quarterback Stafford produced a stellar performance at SoFi Stadium, throwing for four touchdowns en route to a 30-20 victory. The Rams improved to 3-4 on the season in the process, keeping their playoff hopes alive after a chastening start to the campaign.

The absence of wide receivers Nacua and Kupp through knee and ankle injuries, respectively, was influential in the Rams’ early-season struggles. But they were hugely impactful on Thursday, and Los Angeles Lakers superstar James has delighted to see them back in action.

“Good to see my boy Puka back out there tonight. Cooper too!” James posted on X, before hailing the Rams’ QB’s performance. “MATTHEW STAFFORD IS SO DAMN GOOD!!!!!” James said after the Rams signal-caller produced a series of clutch moments to seal the win.

Former Detroit Lions star Stafford was in vintage form, throwing for 279 yards, four touchdowns against just one interception. Nacua, meanwhile, made his first appearance since getting hurt in Week 1, continuing where he left off from last season when he set NFL rookie records for receptions and receiving yards.

Nacua delivered a 100-yard game on his return from injury

Nacua delivered a 100-yard game on his return from injury ( 

Image:

Harry How/Getty Images)

The former BYU standout Nacua caught seven passes for 106 yards, while Kupp snagged five passes for 51 yards and a touchdown in his first game back from injury. Kupp had been the subject of intense trade speculation heading into the game, with claims the Rams were shopping the former Super Bowl MVP for a second-round pick.

But head coach Sean McVay shut down trade talk after Thursday’s win. He said: “I’m really glad to have Cooper Kupp back with us and that’s what I expect to stay that way.

“Here’s what I’ll tell you: Teams reached out. Some of the things I’ve seen out there — they’re just not true. We’ve addressed that with those individuals. Teams have called about him and we let him know what the dialogue was there. And then there’s a lot of stuff out there where there’s not a lot of accountability to the reports. And that’s unfortunate.”

The Rams return to action on Nov. 3, taking on NFC West rivals the Seattle Seahawks (4-3) at Lumen Field with a chance to get back to .500 after a 1-4 start to the season. The Vikings host the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday Night Football the same day.