LeBron James made history during the Los Angeles Lakers’ 120-112 win over the Golden State Warriors. He became only the second player, behind his idol, Michael Jordan, to score 40+ points in a game after turning 40.
Speaking after the game, James reflected on this massive accomplishment, joking about his fatigue while also showing a degree of humility about being mentioned in the same breath as Jordan.
“What do I think? That I’m old. That’s what I think. I need a glass of wine and some sleep, that’s what I think… The biggest thing is that we got the win, obviously. Throughout my journey, any time I’ve been named, cross paths with the greats is always humbling, especially to know where I come from. I love the game.”
This isn’t the first time this season that James has matched an achievement from Jordan’s final NBA season.
At the beginning of the year, he matched Michael Jordan’s record for the most 30+ point games in NBA history, although it took him 450 games more to be able to achieve this.
LeBron had a brilliant performance against the Warriors, putting up 42 points (14-25 FG), 15 rebounds, eight assists, one steal, and one block.
He was on fire from the three-point line, going 6-9 from range. The King delivered a vintage performance in a prime-time game for the Lakers against one of his fiercest rivals in the NBA.
The Lakers will hope that he can deliver a few more performances like this. Heck, tonight, he was just one point away from breaking Michael Jordan’s record for the most points scored by a player above the age of 40.
Jordan put up 43 points in his record-setting performance, and James had 42 tonight.
LeBron James Not Concerned About New Roster
While speaking to reporters after the game, LeBron James also spoke about the new-look Los Angeles Lakers, how much time it will take for the new additions to the team to adapt to JJ Redick’s playing style, and how he embraces the situation.
James believes that he and the Lakers will be able to get through this adaption period well, and he doesn’t see it as a challenge.
“I don’t really see a challenge. Everybody gets in the right spots, holds each other accountable, plays basketball the right way, and shares the ball. The ball is going to be in Luka’s hands, it’s going to be in AR’s hands – two great decision-makers. It’ll be in my hands as well, another great decision-maker. And then, our guys all feast off of it… That’s the beautiful thing.”
James is going to get the chance to play with LeBron James very soon with Luka Doncic and Mark Williams, the two major additions to the Los Angeles Lakers earlier this week.
And given his attitude to the matter, it looks like the transition should be easier than most fans expected.
Doncic is expected to take the court for the Lakers this Monday against the Utah Jazz.