LeBron James scored 40 points against the Brooklyn Nets, joining Michael Jordan as the only players in NBA history with multiple 40-point games after the age of 39.
Credit USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect/Scanpix
The Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James achieved another incredible milestone.
The 39-year-old led the Lakers to a 116-104 win against the Brooklyn Nets, finishing the game with 40 points (13/17 FG, 9/10 3PT, 5/6 FT), 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 turnovers.
James joined Michael Jordan as the only players in NBA history with multiple 40-point games after the age of 39.
The 39-year-old also tied his career high in 3s made after sinking 9 3-pointers.
“I don’t ever have to lean on [3-pointers] because I can do so much — I can score on any level on the floor basically once I cross half court,” James explained his improved 3-point shooting in the latter stages of his career. “But being able to have a growth mindset and be able to work on things that the league is changing to, the league is a heavy 3-point shooting league.”
LeBron James
Credit USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect – Scanpix
“I’m not one of those guys that wants to go out there and shoot 12, 14 or 15 3s per game. But I want to be respected, and teams have to play me from the outside. That’s still kind of one thing teams [think] … ‘If we have to give up something, we’d much rather him shoot the ball from the outside,'” he continued.
The Easter shooting display lifted James’ 3-point percentage to 41.6% on the season, the best of his career.
“The ones that he was shooting wasn’t hitting the rim,” Anthony Davis said. “It’s always great to watch. I mean, most points in NBA history, you know? And he’s just continuing to add to it. But the way he shot it tonight, masterful.”
LeBron James Anthony Davis
Credit USA Today Sports – Scanpix
Nevertheless, the reality is that LeBron won’t do this forever, and the Lakers star admitted his retirement is getting closer.
“I’m on the other side, obviously, of the hill. So I’m not going to play another 21 years, that’s for damn sure. But not very long. I don’t know what or when that door will close as far as when I retire, but I don’t have much time left,” James concluded.
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