In the Los Angeles Lakers’ 119-102 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Friday, LeBron James broke yet another NBA record by surpassing the legendary Michael Jordan’s record for the most 30-point games in NBA history.
James scored 30 points on 13 of 20 shots, breaking the Chicago Bulls star’s 2003 record with an 18-foot jumper deep into the fourth quarter. It was James’ 563rd 30-point performance.
According to NBA.com, James later remarked, “It’s very humbling.” It’s really awesome whenever I’m cited with any of the greats, including possibly the best player to have ever played the game. I wear 23 because of this person, who I looked up to as a child. As a child from my hometown, I find it extremely cool that I can sit here and be in the room, the conversation, or whatever it is when you bring up Michael Jackson.
The Lakers had a well balanced offensive performance led by James, with Austin Reaves contributing 20 points, seven rebounds, and six assists and Anthony Davis contributing 18 points, 19 rebounds, three steals, and three blocks.
The four-time league MVP, who accomplished the milestone in his 22nd season and 1,523rd career regular-season game, had the night, despite the efforts of his teammates. Davis used the chance to mock his teammate for needing seven more seasons to surpass his own record, which he had established in his 1,072nd game and 15th season.
He went on to tell reporters, “Obviously, a hell of an accomplishment.” He’s arguably the best at everything right now, in my opinion. We just want to keep stacking, and I’ve been here long enough to see a lot of triumphs, so I’m grateful to be here.
James also moved up to fourth place on the all-time list by surpassing Dirk Nowitzki’s total amount of games played. James’ longevity, which has characterised the last several years of his career, is demonstrated by the fact that he is still setting records after turning 40.
Only two other players have had 30-point games after reaching 40, according to NBA.com: Jordan had four and Nowitzki had one. James, meanwhile, is poised to easily surpass this milestone as well, having scored 30 points in two of his last five games after turning 40.
