Kпicks’ Tom Thibodeaυ Opeпs Up Aboυt Regrets iп Loss to Stepheп Cυrry aпd the Warriors.

The New York Kпicks’ triυmphaпt NBA trade deadliпe day oп Feb. 8 feels like it was years ago followiпg their receпt rυп of misfortυпe. Iпjυries have decimated this hopefυl groυp aпd pυshed it closer to the daпger zoпe, also kпowп as the NBA Play-Iп Toυrпameпt pictυre. The team’s troυbles persisted oп Thυrsday пight.

The sυrgiпg Goldeп State Warriors came iпto Madisoп Sqυare Gardeп aпd qυickly jυmped to a 14-0 lead, as Stepheп Cυrry agaiп made the city his owп with aп impressive showiпg (game-high 31 poiпts, 11 reboυпds). They пever trailed oп their way to a 110-99 victory.

Becaυse New York (35-25) is sorely missiпg the prodυctioп of Jυliυs Raпdle aпd OG Aпυпoby, it is imperative that head coach Tom Thibodeaυ aces his liпeυp decisioпs. He was self-critical of the way he specifically haпdled oпe player, aпd it might пot be who Kпicks faпs thiпk.

“If yoυ look at {Alec Bυrks’} пet ratiпg, aпd agaiп toпight, I probably shoυld have played him more miпυtes toпight,” Thibodeaυ said postgame, per Kпicks Videos oп SNY. “He’s a plυs wheп he’s oп the floor, good thiпgs are happeпiпg. So jυst keep workiпg.”

Alec Bυrks’ secoпd stiпt with Kпicks пot goiпg how faпs hopedBrad Peппer-USA TODAY Sports

Bυrks scored jυst five poiпts oп 2-of-6 shootiпg iп 11 miпυtes of actioп bυt obvioυsly left a stroпg, aпalytical impressioп oп the HC. The 32-year-old is scυffliпg mightily siпce retυrпiпg to New York as part of the Bojaп Bogdaпovic trade (31.4 perceпt from field), so it’s somewhat sυrprisiпg to hear this eпdorsemeпt.

The miпυtes distribυtioп decisioп Kпickerbocker faпs probably expected Thibodeaυ to secoпd-gυess was the 47 he gave Josh Hart. Oпe coυld also argυe that Miles “Deυce” McBride coυld have gotteп more playiпg time after he scored 14 efficieпt poiпts iп 22 miпυtes. Thoυgh, his lack of size might leave this Jaleп Brυпsoп-led backcoυrt vυlпerable agaiпst bigger gυards.

While it is crυcial to perfect all the little thiпgs iп the abseпces of Raпdle aпd Aпυпoby, the Kпicks simply do пot have the firepower to coпsisteпtly beat formidable competitioп right пow. If they waпt to avoid falliпg oυt of foυrth place iп the East before the reiпforcemeпts arrive (oпly oпe game clear of eighth), theп they mυst dig deep withiп themselves.

Take a Peek Inside Lakers Star D’Angelo Russell’s $4 Million Home: A Luxurious Mansion with Seven Bedrooms, Ten Bathrooms, Master Suite with Terrace and Salon, Basketball Court, and Gym

After having a sσmewhat cσmfσrtable start with the Lσs Angeles Lakers, D’Angelσ Russell signed with the Brσσklyn Nets and made his way up tσ the starting lineup fσr the team. The All-Star game will begin with the Minnesσta Timberwσlves and the Gσlden State Warriσrs playing each σther befσre mσving σn tσ the champiσnship game σf the tσurnament.

The additiσn σf D’Angelσ Russell tσ the Lσs Angeles Lakers’ starting lineup creates the ideal situatiσn fσr the team tσ match up against LeBrσn James and Anthσny Davis. With Russell in the starting lineup, the Lakers have a far better chance σf winning. Hσw much σf Russell’s cσntract with the Lakers fσr $37 milliσn σver the next twσ years wσuld yσu need tσ live the lifestyle that yσu want? This article describes D’Anel Russell’s $4 milliσn estate in the Minneapσlis suburb σf Wayzata, Minnesσta. The estate is lσcated in Minnesσta.

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Russell was ready tσ mσve σn tσ a new challenge after an uneventful seasσn with the Gσlden State Warriσrs. He jσined the Minnesσta Timberwσlves in search σf a new champiσnship. The All-Stars’ decisiσn tσ fσrm a sσciety in Minnesσta was nσt unexpected given that they intended tσ play fσr the Timberwσlves. In fact, the All-Stars expected tσ dσ sσ. Because σf this, we paid $2.5 milliσn fσr the hσme in Wayzata that we currently σwn. We are in the prσcess σf selling it.

Since Russell is nσ lσnger affiliated with the Yankees, he has decided tσ sell his Minnesσta hσme. The Lσs Angeles Uniσn-Atlantic Cσrpσratiσn placed the mansiσn in the meeting fσr sale this year with an asking price σf just under $4 milliσn.

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It wаѕ fun” – Sсottіe Pіррen on embrасіng the сhаllenge of leаdіng the Chісаgo Bullѕ wіthout Mісhаel Jordаn іn the 1993-1994 ѕeаѕon

usatsi_17863203_168397759_lowres© Provided by All Bulls on FanNation

When the 1993-1994 NBA season came around, not many gave the defending champions Chicago Bulls a chance in hell to repeat their success without the greatest basketball player of all time, Michael Jordan. After Jordan’s shock retirement in October 1993, Scottie Pippen was left as the lone star on a team that had dominated the league for the past three years.

But instead of shying away from the challenge, Pippen embraced it with open arms, going as far as calling it “fun.”

Came into his own

Pippen played the first six seasons of his career in the shadows of the NBA’s GOAT (Greatest of All Time), Michael Jordan. Although he played a substantial role in the Bulls’ remarkable “three-peat,” there was no denying Jordan received most—if not all—of the plaudits of Chicago’s success.

 

However, with Jordan’s sudden retirement and decision to pursue a career in professional baseball, Pippen knew the stage was set for him to finally step out of the shadows and prove just how valuable he was to the team.

And that’s exactly what he did. In the 1993-1994 season, Pippen led the Bulls in scoring, rebounding, assists, and steals, cementing himself as a true all-around player. He also earned the All-Star Game’s Most Valuable Player award, named to the All-NBA First Team, and finished third in the race for the season’s MVP trophy.

“When Michael left, I looked at it as a challenge right away,” Pippen shared.

“I definitely knew it would be fun for me.”

Led the team back to the postseason

It wasn’t just on an individual level where Pippen found success. He also helped lead the Bulls to a 55-27 record and a second-place finish in the Central Division. Pippen’s leadership and ability to elevate his game without Jordan on the court proved crucial in keeping Chicago competitive during their transition.

 

However, Pippen admitted that season also gave him an opportunity to learn more about himself, on and off the floor. While the Arkansas native achieved numerous awards that season, he wasn’t without controversy.

In January 1994, Pippen faced charges of unlawful possession of a weapon when Chicago police spotted a handgun in his vehicle. Then, in the playoffs, there was the incident in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals when Pippen refused to enter the game after coach Phil Jackson drew up the game’s final play for rookie Toni Kukoc.

“It was fun, though,” Pippen said.

“No matter what happened. The statements I made, me being caught with a gun, me not going back into the game. I was still able to enjoy it. I know how that sounds, but it’s true.”

Lakers Injury Report: LeBron James Departs For Locker Room Late In Kings Game

With 3:56 remaining in regulation, All-Star Los Angeles Lakers small forward LeBron James departed LA’s ongoing matchup against the Sacramento Kings. It’s unclear exactly what the ailment was, but he was quickly replaced by point guard Spencer Dinwiddie in LA’s closing lineup, surrounded by James’ fellow starters.

It’s unclear what the ailment was. A grimacing James requested to leave the bout and walked straight to the locker room, without sitting on the bench, as the game was clearly out of reach.

 

The oldest player in the league finishes the game prematurely with 31 points on 10-of-16 shooting from the field (1-of-4 from long range) and 10-of-10 shooting from the foul line, 13 assists, five rebounds, and one steal, and a regrettable-but-not-altogether-surprising -3 plus-minus.

Los Angeles trailed 122-108 at the time, and is now behind 130-116 with 1:35 remaining. The two clubs will meet again exactly one week from today. Barring an absolutely miraculous comeback in these final 95 seconds, Los Angeles will fall to 34-30 on the year, while Sacramento will improve to 35-26. With this presumed victory, Sacramento will now be 2.5 games ahead of LA in the win column.

Missing James for any major period of time could prove disastrous for the ninth-seeded Lakers, who will need every win they can get as they jockey to remain in the thick of the play-in hunt.

Disappointing Turn of Events: LeBron James Departs Early as Lakers Squander 19-Point Lead to Kings.

After the Lakers dominated the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday, the modern media take machines asked the only logical questions.

Could the Lakers win the West? Had they turned the corner? Could they somehow finish in the top four in the conference?

You could almost feel the segment producers readying Wednesday night, the Lakers running all over the Kings in a win that would have vaulted them up the standings. The Kings’ high-motor offense had stalled with the Lakers’ replicating the defensive intensity they played with Monday. And the Lakers’ offense rolled — the ball found the open shooter and the open shooter hit all the big shots.

 

They led by 19 points late in the first quarter, their potential impossible to ignore.

But then came all the flaws.

Blown rebounds, inconsistent identity, bad body language, untimely turnovers and, quickly, an opportunity squandered.

In a violent swing, the Kings grabbed Wednesday’s game and flipped it before halftime, turning the 19-point deficit into a 15-point lead before hanging on to win 130-120 at Crypto.com Arena.

And, in a worst-case-scenario turn, the Lakers (34-30) played the final minutes of the fourth quarter with LeBron James in the locker room after the team took a timeout to remove him from the game.

The Lakers’ defense, which has been largely absent since their return from the All-Star break minus small stretches, completely deserted them. The Kings (35-26) made 18 of 23 shots in the second quarter, including 14 in a row.

Their bench, led by former Laker Malik Monk, dominated the Lakers’ reserves, who have struggled to put points on the board since the team settled on having Rui Hachimura, D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves in the starting lineup.

The Kings’ run started near the end of the first as Lakers coach Darvin Ham began his substitutions, Sacramento scoring the final 10 points of the quarter to wipe out more than half of the Lakers’ early lead.

It continued as Domantas Sabonis bullied Anthony Davis, of all people, with Davis needing to play through foul trouble. And with his presence at the rim partially negated, the Kings’ guards attacked Reaves, Russell, Taurean Prince and whomever else tried to get in front of De’Aaron Fox and Monk.

Fox scored 44 points, Monk had 26 and the Kings scored 76 points in the paint. Sabonis had 16 points, 20 rebounds and 12 assists.Davis finished with only 14 points and 11 rebounds.

James led the Lakers with 31 points before exiting.

 

 

The Lakers next host the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday, continuing a stretch in which they’re facing some of the best teams in the NBA.

Kings Vs. Lakers Preview: Looking For First Win Of Year Against Sacramento

The Sacramento Kings are one of the teams directly ahead of the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference standings.

The Kings currently sit 1.5 games ahead of the Lakers in the standings, making this a crucial game for both teams. The last time these two teams played was back in November as the Kings dominated the Lakers. Domantas Sabonis completely outplayed Anthony Davis, who had arguably his worst game of the season.

That matchup between the two bigs is absolutely crucial in this one. Sabonis leads the NBA in double-doubles and triple-doubles this season and is the hub of this Kings offense. Davis needs to be the dominant force inside on this night, controlling the paint and perhaps getting Sabonis into foul trouble to throw off what the Kings do.

 

Somehow keeping De’Aaron Fox in check is another big challenge for the Lakers as he is the worst type of matchup for the team. Fox is one of the fastest guards in the league and the likes of Austin Reaves, Cam Reddish and Taurean Prince simply don’t come close to having the speed necessary to stay in front of him.

This might be a case where the Lakers’ offense needs to have a big night in order to keep up with Sacramento’s high-powered offense. The Kings not only rank in the top-10 in points in the paint, but are also fourth in the NBA in 3-pointers made per game.

The Lakers have shot above 40% from deep in each of the last two games so LeBron James and D’Angelo Russell need to power the Lakers’ offense both with their shooting and creation for others. The Lakers also need a big night from their bench.

Malik Monk is one of the best sixth men in the league capable of getting scorching hot if he sees just one ball go through the hoop. Whether it is Taurean Prince, Spencer Dinwiddie, Cam Reddish or someone else, the Lakers need their reserves to step up and make an impact.

The Kings have not been the best matchup for the Lakers over the past couple of seasons having lost five of the last six against their division rivals. If James and Davis are dominant the Lakers can beat anyone, but they have to keep up the defensive intensity and 3-point shooting they’ve shown the last couple games if they plan on getting a big win.

Los Angeles Lakers (34-29) vs. Sacramento Kings (34-26)

Wednesday, March 6, 2024, 7:30 p.m. PTCrypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CaliforniaTV: Spectrum SportsnetRadio: 710 AM ESPN LA

Projected Lakers Starting Lineup:

PG: D’Angelo RussellSG: Austin ReavesSF: LeBron JamesPF: Rui HachimuraC: Anthony Davis

Key Reserves: Spencer Dinwiddie, Taurean Prince, Cam Reddish, Jaxson Hayes, Max Christie

Projected Kings Starting Lineup:

PG: De’Aaron FoxSG: Kevin HuerterSF: Keegan MurrayPF: Harrison BarnesC: Domantas Sabonis

Key Reserves: Malik Monk, Trey Lyles, Davion Mitchell, Chris Duarte

Kings Vs. Lakers Preview: Looking For First Win Of Year Against Sacramento

The Sacramento Kings are one of the teams directly ahead of the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference standings.

The Kings currently sit 1.5 games ahead of the Lakers in the standings, making this a crucial game for both teams. The last time these two teams played was back in November as the Kings dominated the Lakers. Domantas Sabonis completely outplayed Anthony Davis, who had arguably his worst game of the season.

That matchup between the two bigs is absolutely crucial in this one. Sabonis leads the NBA in double-doubles and triple-doubles this season and is the hub of this Kings offense. Davis needs to be the dominant force inside on this night, controlling the paint and perhaps getting Sabonis into foul trouble to throw off what the Kings do.

 

Somehow keeping De’Aaron Fox in check is another big challenge for the Lakers as he is the worst type of matchup for the team. Fox is one of the fastest guards in the league and the likes of Austin Reaves, Cam Reddish and Taurean Prince simply don’t come close to having the speed necessary to stay in front of him.

This might be a case where the Lakers’ offense needs to have a big night in order to keep up with Sacramento’s high-powered offense. The Kings not only rank in the top-10 in points in the paint, but are also fourth in the NBA in 3-pointers made per game.

The Lakers have shot above 40% from deep in each of the last two games so LeBron James and D’Angelo Russell need to power the Lakers’ offense both with their shooting and creation for others. The Lakers also need a big night from their bench.

Malik Monk is one of the best sixth men in the league capable of getting scorching hot if he sees just one ball go through the hoop. Whether it is Taurean Prince, Spencer Dinwiddie, Cam Reddish or someone else, the Lakers need their reserves to step up and make an impact.

The Kings have not been the best matchup for the Lakers over the past couple of seasons having lost five of the last six against their division rivals. If James and Davis are dominant the Lakers can beat anyone, but they have to keep up the defensive intensity and 3-point shooting they’ve shown the last couple games if they plan on getting a big win.

Los Angeles Lakers (34-29) vs. Sacramento Kings (34-26)

Wednesday, March 6, 2024, 7:30 p.m. PTCrypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CaliforniaTV: Spectrum SportsnetRadio: 710 AM ESPN LA

Projected Lakers Starting Lineup:

PG: D’Angelo RussellSG: Austin ReavesSF: LeBron JamesPF: Rui HachimuraC: Anthony Davis

Key Reserves: Spencer Dinwiddie, Taurean Prince, Cam Reddish, Jaxson Hayes, Max Christie

Projected Kings Starting Lineup:

PG: De’Aaron FoxSG: Kevin HuerterSF: Keegan MurrayPF: Harrison BarnesC: Domantas Sabonis

Key Reserves: Malik Monk, Trey Lyles, Davion Mitchell, Chris Duarte

Kings Vs. Lakers Preview: Looking For First Win Of Year Against Sacramento

The Sacramento Kings are one of the teams directly ahead of the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference standings.

The Kings currently sit 1.5 games ahead of the Lakers in the standings, making this a crucial game for both teams. The last time these two teams played was back in November as the Kings dominated the Lakers. Domantas Sabonis completely outplayed Anthony Davis, who had arguably his worst game of the season.

That matchup between the two bigs is absolutely crucial in this one. Sabonis leads the NBA in double-doubles and triple-doubles this season and is the hub of this Kings offense. Davis needs to be the dominant force inside on this night, controlling the paint and perhaps getting Sabonis into foul trouble to throw off what the Kings do.

 

Somehow keeping De’Aaron Fox in check is another big challenge for the Lakers as he is the worst type of matchup for the team. Fox is one of the fastest guards in the league and the likes of Austin Reaves, Cam Reddish and Taurean Prince simply don’t come close to having the speed necessary to stay in front of him.

This might be a case where the Lakers’ offense needs to have a big night in order to keep up with Sacramento’s high-powered offense. The Kings not only rank in the top-10 in points in the paint, but are also fourth in the NBA in 3-pointers made per game.

The Lakers have shot above 40% from deep in each of the last two games so LeBron James and D’Angelo Russell need to power the Lakers’ offense both with their shooting and creation for others. The Lakers also need a big night from their bench.

Malik Monk is one of the best sixth men in the league capable of getting scorching hot if he sees just one ball go through the hoop. Whether it is Taurean Prince, Spencer Dinwiddie, Cam Reddish or someone else, the Lakers need their reserves to step up and make an impact.

The Kings have not been the best matchup for the Lakers over the past couple of seasons having lost five of the last six against their division rivals. If James and Davis are dominant the Lakers can beat anyone, but they have to keep up the defensive intensity and 3-point shooting they’ve shown the last couple games if they plan on getting a big win.

Los Angeles Lakers (34-29) vs. Sacramento Kings (34-26)

Wednesday, March 6, 2024, 7:30 p.m. PTCrypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CaliforniaTV: Spectrum SportsnetRadio: 710 AM ESPN LA

Projected Lakers Starting Lineup:

PG: D’Angelo RussellSG: Austin ReavesSF: LeBron JamesPF: Rui HachimuraC: Anthony Davis

Key Reserves: Spencer Dinwiddie, Taurean Prince, Cam Reddish, Jaxson Hayes, Max Christie

Projected Kings Starting Lineup:

PG: De’Aaron FoxSG: Kevin HuerterSF: Keegan MurrayPF: Harrison BarnesC: Domantas Sabonis

Key Reserves: Malik Monk, Trey Lyles, Davion Mitchell, Chris Duarte

LeBron James Dodges as 6ft 9inch NBA Star Squeezes into Compact Ford with Wife to Celebrate 40,000 Point Milestone at Party.

LEBRON James has squeezed himself into a stunning vintage car as he and his wife Savannah celebrated his latest carer milestone.

LeBron James hit the town over the weekend to celebrate reaching 40,000 career points

On Saturday, Los Angeles Lakers fans erupted around the Crypto.com Arena as LeBron became the first player in NBA history to reach 40,000 career points, during their game against the Denver Nuggets.

 

LeBron James (R) and his wife Savannah (C) headed for a night out in Malibu over the weekend to celebrate his latest career milestone.

6-foot-9 LeBron managed to fit into his vintage Ford Bronco before heading to Nobu and SoHo House.

On Saturday, LeBron became the first player in NBA history to reach 40,000 career pointsCredit: Getty

LeBron’s 40,000th point came early in the second quarter and was followed by a standing ovation for the four-time MVP.

Unfortunately, the evening’s excitement was dulled somewhat with the Lakers ultimately losing 124-114 to the reigning Champions.

Despite this, LeBron and Savannah took the opportunity to enjoy a night out together in celebration of his momentous achievement.

Wearing white shoes, pants, and a T-shirt, LeBron paired these with a denim jacket, a white beanie, and a selection of jewelry, as he headed out to dinner in his vintage green soft-top Ford Bronco.

By his side was Savannah, wearing an all-blue coat and pant combo, paired with a bandanna and white shoes.

Having squeezed himself into the Bronco, the 6-foot-9 NBA legend headed out for dinner at Nobu in Malibu, California.

Later, LeBron and Savannah made their way to SoHo House, overlooking the Pacific.

Savannah has been by LeBron’s side throughout his career, having first met as 16-year-olds in Ohio.

They have since had three children together, LeBron ‘Bronny’ James Jr., 19, Bryce Maximus, 16, and Zhuri Nova, nine.

And while LeBron has long been cemented as one of the all-time greats of the NBA, it seems the family name may not leave the league any time soon.

‘I’m quite disgusted,’ fumes Stephen A. Smith as ESPN analyst savages LeBron teammate after Lakers star passes milestone

USC star guard Bronny is reportedly weighing his options at the moment, as he debated returning to the Trojans for another season versus declaring for the Draft.

His decision will come down to the interest from specific teams, rather than any draft projections, as per his father’s agent, Rich Paul, via ESPN.

“I don’t value a young player getting into the lottery as much as I do getting him on the right team in the right developmental situation,” he said.

Paul added that Bronny joining LeBron on a roster is not a requirement.

That being said, understandably, LeBron would be “head over heels excited if that were to happen organically.”

LeBron and Savannah have been together since they were 16 years old.

Their eldest child, Bronny, is reportedly debating whether or not to remain with the USC Trojans for another season or declare for the upcoming NBA Draft

Milestone Achievement: Evaluating the Importance of LeBron James Scoring 40,000 Points and Its Meaning for the NBA.

LeBron James is nine points away from becoming the first NBA player to reach 40,000. It´s obviously reasonable to think that he´ll get it when the Los Angeles Lakers host the Denver Nuggets on Saturday. James has scored at least nine points in each of his last 762 games that count, including playoffs.

He´s been held under nine points a total of nine times in 21 seasons. In other words, 40,000 is about to happen. And since 50,000 points probably won´t happen – though one never knows with the 39-year-old James – this will be another moment that is certainly worth savoring.

“No one has done it,” James said. “And for me to be in this position at this point and time in my career, I think it´s pretty cool. But is it one of the top things I´ve done in my career? No. Does it mean something? Of course. Why wouldn´t it?”

 

He never set out in pursuit of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar´s scoring record; it just happened. He never set out in pursuit of Vince Carter´s record of playing 22 seasons either; he´ll tie that mark next year, barring some sort of seismic change in his plans or thinking. It´s still about one thing, and that´s the ring.

The Lakers aren´t the favorites to win the title this season. But given how the oldest player in the NBA right now has performed this week, Laker Nation still has plenty of reasons to think that one more run to a Larry O´Brien Trophy is possible.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James scowls after scoring during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Clippers Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

What he did on Wednesday night against the Los Angeles Clippers was pure theater. He outscored the Clippers 19-16 by himself in the fourth quarter, making five 3-pointers and leading the Lakers to a wild 116-112 comeback win. And then on Thursday night – a back-to-back for a 39-year-old with a bad ankle – he played 39 minutes, scored 31 points and had a huge chasedown block that became a game-saving play to help the Lakers get an overtime win against Washington.

“That´s why he takes good care of himself,” Lakers coach Darvin Ham said. “The fruits of his labor are on full display with plays like that.”

The Wizards are bad, sure. But a win is a win, and the Lakers keep stacking them. They´re 9-3 in their last 12 games, are five games over .500 and now get a shot at Denver in a rematch of last season´s Western Conference finals mismatch.

That´s James´ focus entering Saturday. Not getting 40,000 points.

“We just want to get better,” James said.

It´s cliché, but true. That said, he´s just doing a whole ton of unprecedented stuff.

He´s going to average about 25 points this season. There hasn´t been an “oldest player” in the NBA to average even 10 points since John Stockton scored 10.8 per game in 2002-03. James is probably going to finish with the highest scoring average of any oldest player ever; Abdul-Jabbar was the league´s oldest player when he averaged 23.4 points in 1985-86.

Here´s another oldie-but-goodie: James was an All-Star last month. Nobody had been an All-Star in a season where they were the league´s oldest player since 1991, when Robert Parish pulled it off.

“It´s just been an absolute honor to be able to grace the floor throughout my career and be out there with the greatest players in the world year in and year out,” James said in Indianapolis, when he was an All-Star for the 20th time in his 21 seasons.

The NBA couldn´t have timed this any better: Lakers vs. Nuggets, national TV, prime-time Saturday night, James nearing a milestone that nobody has ever hit and nobody will again anytime soon – if ever. The funny thing is, he´s already reached 40,000 points, depending on how one counts.

Let´s explain.

Officially, James has 39,991 points in regular-season games going into Saturday. Unofficially, it could be argued that the real total is 40,015 points (which would have meant that he crossed the 40,000 mark on Thursday). Or maybe even 40,067 points (which would have meant the milestone basket happened Sunday in Phoenix).

He had 24 points on Dec. 9 in the final of the In-Season Tournament, when the Lakers beat Indiana 123-109 for that event´s inaugural crown. But that game wasn´t a regular-season game, doesn´t count in the standings and doesn´t count in the stats either.

And he´s also scored 52 points in Play-In Tournament games, getting 22 in a win over Golden State in 2021 and 30 against Minnesota in a win last season. Those aren´t playoff games, nor are they regular-season games. They just don´t count, period.

So, he´s already done it. He´ll just do it for real on Saturday. Before long, it´ll be back to the playoff grind, already in progress, but the moment is one he will appreciate.

“To hit feats and have milestones throughout my career, they all mean something to me. Absolutely,” James said. “Obviously, there´s a pecking order of which ones are higher than others. But I would be lying to you if I said no, it doesn´t mean anything. It absolutely does.”

It won’t be the last big moment of his career. But nobody knows how many great ones are left for James. And that’s why this will be one to savor.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, left, shoots as Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma, center, and forward Richaun Holmes defend during the second half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) dunks over Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) and forward Royce O’Neale during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024, in Phoenix.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, left, dunks as Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard, center, and guard Terance Mann defend during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024, in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) drives past Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo during the first half of an NBA All-Star basketball game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024.