LeBron James tied Michael Jordan‘s all-time NBA record for the most 30-point games in NBA history last night with his 38-point outing during the Lakers‘ 114-108 win over the Trail Blazers. But the stats show that it took LeBron James a lot longer to achieve this record. Michael Jordan did it in 1072 games, whereas LeBron James did it in 1522 games, which is exactly 450 games more.
Of course, none of this is to take away from LeBron James’ incredible achievement. Rather, it is to put into context the similar accolades that the two players have. Jordan and LeBron may be tied, but Jordan took far less time to get to the same point that LeBron James did.
Michael Jordan would set the record with his final 30-point game, when he put up 39 points, eight rebounds, one assist, and one steal against the New York Knicks on March 9th, 2003. It would be his last game in Madison Square Garden, and he would make history in more than one way.
As for LeBron James, he put up 38 points against the Portland Trail Blazers last night, as the Los Angeles Lakers defeated them 114-106. It was yet another strong performance from The King, who continues to defy the odds and play at the highest level possible despite being 40 years old.
Funnily enough, both Michael Jordan and LeBron James got to 562 30+ point games in the NBA at the age of 40. James just turned 40 years old a few days ago, whereas Jordan’s 39-point performance against the Knicks came a little over two weeks after his 40th birthday.
Regardless of the time it took both players to get to that point, there is no denying just how impressive this achievement is. Considering the level that LeBron James is playing, it would not be surprising to see James eclipse Jordan’s record with a few more 30+ point performances in the remaining time he has left in his NBA career.
LeBron Reflects On History Making Night
LeBron James spoke about his history-making 38-point performance on the night. He noted that while he was aware of how close he was to the record, he wasn’t playing to reach that point. James prides himself on playing the right way and making sure that he is doing everything in his power to help the team win.
“I don’t pace myself for it. But when you have a heater to go on, you try to keep it going by continuing to take good shots, take the right shots, and not get yourself out of the zone. You’re aware of it when you’re on the floor and you’ve made a few. Absolutely.”
LeBron James, despite turning 40 years old, is still playing excellent basketball. This season, he has been great once again, averaging 23.9 points, 8.9 assists, 7.6 rebounds, 0.8 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game, while shooting 50.2% from the field, 38.2% from range, and 76.7% from the free-throw line.
Fans were in awe of James’ outing and reacted positively on social media. It will be interesting to see whether James plays tonight in the Lakers’ second of their back-to-back games, as they host the Atlanta Hawks at home at 10:30 PM EST. James is 40 years old now and must conserve his body. Don’t be surprised if LeBron is rested for tonight’s game.
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