The Lakers arrived in Portland at 3 in the morning on Thursday, still reeling from their tough loss to Charlotte (97-100) and the physical problems plaguing their two stars. Without Luka Doncic, who was sidelined with a left calf injury, and with the doubt surrounding LeBron James’ availability due to a foot injury and a sore left ankle, the mood of the team was somber.
However, in a stunning turn of events, LeBron James overcame his physical issues to lead the Lakers to a 102-110 triumph against the Blazers, scoring 40 points (10/16 on two-pointers, 4/8 on three-pointers, and 8/8 on free throws), grabbing 8 rebounds, and dishing out 4 assists in 36 minutes. This performance marked the second time since turning 40 that LeBron has scored 40 or more points in a game.
Second Match with 40 Points Since Turning 40
LeBron became the first player in NBA history to achieve this feat after reaching the age of 40. His first 40-point game since turning 40 came on February 7, when he led the Lakers to a 120-112 victory over the Warriors, with an impressive 42 points, 17 rebounds, and 8 assists.
Before the Blazers game, which was the 1,542nd regular-season game of his career, LeBron surpassed Vince Carter and moved into third place on the all-time list for most games played. It’s as if time stands still for him. Notably, since turning 40 just 22 days ago, James has averaged nearly a triple-double: 26 points, 8 rebounds, and 9 assists across eight games.
He is a billionaire and is playing two nights in a row at age 40 after 22 seasons in the League with all records and all praise … establishes the standard of how this trade should be addressed – JJ Redick (Lakers coach)
The Lakers’ coach, JJ Redick, was left speechless by LeBron’s performance against the Blazers. “LeBron really challenges everything that is normal,” Redick said. “And not only with his physical feats and plays. It’s his mentality… He is a billionaire and is playing two nights in a row at age 40 after 22 seasons in the League with all records and all praise. It’s incredible to coach him; he sets the standard for how this profession should be approached.”
I still love the game, and I still have a lot to give to the game, my teammates, and this league while I am here … I don’t have much time – LeBron James (Lakers Player)
When asked about his motivation to continue playing despite having achieved everything imaginable in his career, LeBron didn’t hesitate: “I still love the game, and I still have a lot to give to the game, my teammates, and this league while I am here. I don’t have much time left, so while I am here, I will try to give what I have when I am on the court.”
Teaching His Son Bronny
Another significant reason for LeBron’s motivation at 40 is the opportunity to share his wisdom and values with his son, Bronny James, with whom he shares the court this year. “So, why? It’s the love for the game and now I have the opportunity to show my son how to be a professional in this league. Being with him every day is a pleasure.”
Even with his remarkable performance, it wasn’t a perfect night for James, who committed 11 turnovers, somewhat tarnishing his otherwise fantastic statistical outing. This negative aspect, however, highlights LeBron’s spirit of overcoming adversity. Since 2020, only two NBA players have achieved a game with 35 or more points and 10 or more turnovers; one of them is LeBron, following this meeting, and the other is his current teammate, Luka Doncic.
LeBron reflected on his performance, acknowledging his role in the team’s 24 turnovers, which cost them 31 points: “The best way to compete in this league is to play hard. You can win many games if you are able to play hard. You can compensate for many mistakes. We had 24 ball losses that cost us 31 points. And I had half of them, but it definitely compensates when you are able to counteract a loss of ball and play hard. That will help us win many games.”