LeBron James record leaves NBA in disbelief, should not be possible

Conventional wisdom in professional sport is that over 35 years of age, great players will begin to slow down and, if they play long enough, become a shadow of their former selves.

But that just ain’t LeBron.

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In his 21st season, James has produced another masterful performance as his LA Lakers pulled off a 130-125 overtime win over cross-town rivals the LA Clippers.

Countless column inches and minutes on TV talk shows — not to mention salty tweets — have been dedicated to when James’ decline will eventually begin but the 38-year-old, who turns 39 on December 30, has once again showed he’s still got it.

Against a Clippers side featuring Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and Russell Westbrook, James led his Lakers to the OT victory.

The ageless star scored 35 points, as well as 12 rebounds, seven assists, a steal and two blocks in the victory.

He was ably supported by Anthony Davis’ 27 point, 10 rebounds and four blocks and D’Angelo Russell’s 27 point nights.

For the Clippers, Leonard had 38 points, George, 35, while Westbrook added 24 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists.
 

But to the victors go the plaudits, and the Lakers had to do it the hard way after trailing by 19 points early in the game before roaring back to claim the team’s first win over the Clippers since 2020 — an 11 game winless streak.

Lakers guard Austin Reaves scored seven of his 15 points in overtime while new recruit Christian Wood sealed it with a put back dunk with nine seconds left.

Along the way, James claimed yet another slice of history, becoming the first player to score 35+ points in their 21st season, and his 81st 30+ point game since turning 35.

Social media simply couldn’t believe the level James is clearly still at.

There is no way lebron is 38

— Jhu (@IdfwJhuu) November 2, 2023

Paul George was clearly the best player on the floor. Lebron was second though which was great

— Realist (@RealistNBA) November 2, 2023

Don’t take LeBron James for granted. This is not normal

— vandal 😶‍🌫️ (@tbose_vantal) November 2, 2023

Don’t take LeBron James for granted. This is not normal

— vandal 😶‍🌫️ (@tbose_vantal) November 2, 2023

Lebron is in year 21 and still the best player on the court in the year 2023

— Jordan Smith (@thatwonkid91) November 2, 2023

Lebron doing it for all us 38 year olds out there! pic.twitter.com/re93ZVnIJF

— Full Court Fitness (@AdamWesterhout) November 2, 2023

It’s nights like tonight where you watch LeBron and try to comprehend how any of this is possible.

He’s not competing against his opponents or contemporaries.

He’s competing against himself.

There’s 0 precedent for this.

It’s impossible.

The greatest ever. 🐐

— Witness King James (@WITNESSKJ) November 2, 2023

Post-game, James said it was won at the defensive end of the court, especially after being blown away early.

“What a game,” James said. “We know it’s a dogfight every time against these guys and tonight we were finally able to get one off them.”

Of his record night, James said all it means is “it resulted in a win”.

“I work on my body every day, I work on my mind every day to be able to be available to my teammates, and this was three in four nights for us,” he continued.

More Coverage“It was a big win for us and I was happy I was able to contribute a little bit.”

While there are plenty of people who continue to debate whether this means that LeBron is the greatest basketballer in history, fans should just enjoy what they’ve got while they’ve got it as James continues to achieve freakish feats.

The result sees both teams move to 3-2 for the season.