LeBron James Defies Age with Another Historic Performance
PORTLAND — The Los Angeles Lakers found themselves in a challenging situation as they arrived in Portland in the early hours of Thursday morning. After a late-night flight from L.A. following their game against the Charlotte Hornets, the team didn’t check into their hotel until nearly 3 a.m. Lakers coach JJ Redick was understandably concerned about facing the Trail Blazers on the road, especially on the second night of a back-to-back. The absence of Luka Doncic, who was managing a left calf injury, and the uncertainty surrounding LeBron James due to his left foot and ankle injury, only added to the daunting task ahead.
However, if there’s one thing Redick should have counted on, it’s LeBron James’ ability to deliver when it matters most. The 40-year-old Lakers star once again defied expectations, dropping 40 points to lead L.A. to a 110-102 victory. “He really just defies anything that’s normal,” Redick said. “And not just the physical feats and the plays. It’s the mentality. … He’s a billionaire. And he’s playing on the second night of a back-to-back at 40 after 22 years with every fricking record and every accolade. … It’s like, he’s amazing to coach. … He sets the standard for how you’re supposed to approach this craft.”
When asked about his motivation to continue pushing his body through the rigorous NBA schedule, James pointed to the importance of setting an example for his son, Lakers rookie Bronny James. “I still love the game and I still got a lot to give to the game, to give to my teammates, to give to this league for while I’m here,” James said. “I don’t have much time left. So, while I’m here today in this time, I’m going to try to give what I got when I’m out on the floor.
“So, why? It’s the love of the game and I have an opportunity now to show my son the ranks of how to be a professional in this league. And to be along [with] him every single day, that’s a treat.”
James’ performance on Thursday marked his second time reaching 40 points since his 40th birthday in December, making him the only player in NBA history with multiple 40-point games at age 40 or older. The Lakers are 2-0 in those games. Additionally, James played in the 1,542nd regular season game of his career, passing Vince Carter for No. 3 on the all-time list.
Despite tying a career-high with 11 turnovers, the third time in his career he has committed double-digit turnovers, James’ teams remain undefeated in those games, going 3-0. Redick praised the Lakers for playing with the right edge, winning the game with their effort despite a 9-for-32 (28.1%) shooting night from 3-point range, a slew of turnovers, and Doncic’s absence.
“There’s actually only one cheat code in the NBA, and that’s playing hard,” Redick said. “If you play hard every night, you have a chance to win. If you don’t play hard every night, you’re probably going to lose.”
James echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of effort. “That’s the best way to play in this league,” he said. “The best way to compete in this league is to play hard. You can get through a lot of games if you’re able to just play hard. You’re able to cover up for a lot of mistakes. We had 24 turnovers for 31 points. I had half of those. … It definitely makes up for it when you’re able to cover for one other and you’re able to play hard. It’s going to help us win a lot of ballgames.”
Lakers guard Austin Reaves, who contributed 32 points and seven assists while making several key defensive plays down the stretch, expressed his excitement about James’ decision to play against Charlotte and Portland after missing the All-Star game due to his left foot injury. James’ presence alone gave Reaves confidence in the Lakers’ chances. “He really doesn’t have anything else to prove,” Reaves said. “And if people say he does, then they’re [Michael] Jordan fans.”
Originally Written by: Dave McMenamin
