As a native of Ohio, the Cleveland Cavaliers will always hold a special place in LeBron James’ heart.
In his return to the city on Monday, the King demonstrated his appreciation by putting on one of his best performances of the season.
With 38 points, 12 assists, and 11 rebounds in the 131-120 win (which included a fantastic poster over this former teammate), LeBron proved once again that he’s still the best in basketball and, to some, the best in basketball history. On Twitter, the NBA community couldn’t hold back their excitement.
Lakers won? pic.twitter.com/q9QAKUkKZV
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) March 22, 2022
LEBRON GOING CRAZY ON HIS FORMER TEAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) March 22, 2022
Lebron is the greatest basketball player ever it’s just undeniable at this point
— ً 🧸 (@MachHomie) March 22, 2022
https://twitter.com/renedreams13/status/1506079352374632452
LeBron James went home to Cleveland and reminded everyone why he is the King! He recorded a triple double 38-12-11 and led the Lakers to a 131-120 victory!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) March 22, 2022
I'm not gonna lie, I dont understand how Lebron is playing this great at 37. It wrecks my brain
— Wyllie D (@Wyllmatic) March 22, 2022
https://twitter.com/TommyIssaian/status/1506079245658820610https://twitter.com/HarmonyHornetLB/status/1506079208036052994
The Lakers are garbage but has there ever been a player as good as 36 year old LeBron?
— MRHerson (@mrherson) March 22, 2022
https://twitter.com/KingSeda_/status/1506083693257007105
LeBron is holding his own out there for a 37-year-old in his 19th season. While this game was a great reminder of where he stands among the best in the game, it is this season and the past couple of seasons that has really made the difference for the King
Never before has one player dominated the sport for so long, and every time James has one of these nights, it breaks the standard for longevity. In fact, this season is one of the best of his entire career, with averages of 29.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game on 52.2% shooting.
More importantly, James’ performance on Monday resulted in a win for the Lakers, whose struggles have them battling for the 9th seed in the West. At 31-41 on the season, they have fallen short of expectations.
But with LeBron playing better than he has in years, the Lakers still have a chance to make some noise. If Anthony Davis comes back healthy, and Russell Westbrook discovers his fit, the team could end up surprising a lot of people.
Regardless of what happens going forward, what James is doing this year cannot be discredited. Somehow, considering the reality of his situation, he continues to defy all logic.
