LeBron James just turned 40 a few days ago and is in the last stretch of his career. Even then, he looks to win every game each time he is on the court. When facing the Portland Trail Blazers tonight, he went in only thinking about a win for his Los Angeles Lakers.
But when he suited up tonight, he knew he was going to be without his partner in crime. A left ankle sprain saw Anthony Davis listed as ‘questionable’ ahead of the game. At the end, he preferred to sit out and rest his ankle. That meant, the onus was on the 40-year-old to lead the team.
The first quarter did not suggest he was doing his job well. But in the second quarter, he led his team on a rally that opened a lead that went into double-digits by the end of the third quarter. In the fourth, he helped his team keep their cool and staved off a late charge from the young Portland Trail Blazers to eventually win the game 114-106.
LeBron James hit a season-high seven 3-pointers, which helped the Los Angeles Lakers win their sixth out of their last eight games. But it was the overall numbers the four-time league MVP put up that had jaws drop across the basketball world.
WE GOT VINTAGE BRON TONIGHT:
👑 38 PTS
👑 7 3PM
👑 8 AST
👑 CLUTCH 4Q pic.twitter.com/Db6U298raK— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 3, 2025
He ended up with 38 points, eight assists and three rebounds. His efficiency from the field (60%) proved why he is still one of the best players in the league, even at this age. It also showed his drive in improving his shooting efficiency after being criticized for his subpar performances a few weeks ago.
LeBron James’ performance leaves fans shook
Basketball fans knowing all that were surprised the superstar took it upon himself to lead a team playing without their best player. That too at an age when no one expects him to play these many minutes. But the competitor in him probably wanted to rack up as many wins as possible.
Fans were surprised at the superstar’s conditioning that helped him play that many minutes and lead his team. They took to social media to praise his all-out performance.
Y’all letting that senior citizen cook
— Rugar777 (@rugar777) January 3, 2025
Man, he is so good. Appreciate greatness
— Tictacmagic (@tictacmagicNFT) January 3, 2025
38 points with 2 freethrows is fucking crazy brooo
— ANYEONG (@60thB) January 3, 2025
It’s getting to a point where it’s not even realistic
— Jo (@jodaehlin) January 3, 2025
Vintage Bron is the best Bron! 🔥 Still proving why he’s the 🐐. Unreal performance tonight..
— Javeria. (@Javeriaa78) January 3, 2025
We’re in 2025 and he’s doing this
— LeBrontism (@BronOverBumJ) January 3, 2025
We’re never seeing a 40 year old this good again
— Lucro 💫 (@PlayoffLucro) January 3, 2025
damn near 40 pts at 40 years old is crazy. https://t.co/d7xJ90Qfhb
— word up, buttercup! (@95tilfinity) January 3, 2025
This was the first of their back-to-back games at home. Tomorrow, the Los Angeles Lakers will face a resurgent Atlanta Hawks team that is surprising everyone. They will need Anthony Davis back for that game as they look to continue winning games.
The Lakers are slowly coming back to form and saw the improvements from Max Christie and Austin Reaves should be encouraging. Their newest two acquisitions though, are yet to show their skills out on the floor as head coach JJ Redick slowly brings them in.
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