In Saturday’s game against the Denver Nuggets, LeBron James became the first player in NBA history to achieve 40,000 career points in the regular season.
Yet, following his Los Angeles Lakers team’s 124-114 loss against the reigning NBA champions, he called it “bittersweet.”
“It’s quite cool to be the first player to do something in this league,” the 39-year-old, who finished the game with 26 points, said.
“You simply understand history and the greats who have passed on.”
With 10 minutes and 39 seconds left in the second quarter, James made the game-winning basket with a driving lay-up from the left side of the hoop to give the Lakers a 37-32 lead.
At a timeout, James received a standing ovation from the crowd, and the ball he used to reach the milestone was taken out of the game.
James, though, felt conflicted because Nikola Jokic’s 35 points helped the Nuggets extend their winning streak to six games.
“The victory is always the most important thing,” he declared. And it bothered me that it had to occur in a loss, particularly against a really good squad.
“I liked every minute on the floor, but we couldn’t close it out despite playing some solid basketball.”
In February 2023, James broke Kareem Abdul-long-standing Jabbar’s record of 38,387 points to become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.
Entering his 21st season, the four-time NBA champion and four-time Most Valuable Player is the oldest current player in the league.
James stated that he was unsure if any other NBA player will be able to get 40,000 points.
He remarked, “You have to play the game for a long time and have some good luck with injuries and stuff like that.”
“You must look after your physical needs. In addition to being present on the floor, you also need to be productive.”
Darvin Ham, the coach of the Lakers, was one of those who honored James.
“Really pleased for him. It was an incredible feat,” he remarked.
“Hope we could have finished with the victory. Yet, I must say that
Entering his 21st season, the four-time NBA champion and four-time Most Valuable Player is the oldest current player in the league.
James stated that he was unsure if any other NBA player will be able to get 40,000 points.
He remarked, “You have to play the game for a long time and have some good luck with injuries and stuff like that.”
“You must look after your physical needs. In addition to being present on the floor, you also need to be productive.”
Darvin Ham, the coach of the Lakers, was one of those who honored James.
“Really pleased for him. It was an incredible feat,” he remarked.
“Hope we could have finished with the victory. Yet, I must say that
Entering his 21st season, the four-time NBA champion and four-time Most Valuable Player is the oldest current player in the league.
James stated that he was unsure if any other NBA player will be able to get 40,000 points.
He remarked, “You have to play the game for a long time and have some good luck with injuries and stuff like that.”
“You must look after your physical needs. In addition to being present on the floor, you also need to be productive.”
Darvin Ham, the coach of the Lakers, was one of those who honored James.
“Really pleased for him. It was an incredible feat,” he remarked.
“Hope we could have finished with the victory. Yet, I must say that But my hat’s off to him. Amazing, amazing run that continues to this day.”
(BBC)
