LeBron James Made NBA History Once Again After Dropping 32 Points on Rockets: ‘I Just Feel Like I’m in a Really Good Offensive Zone Right Now’
Dec. 28 was a good day for LeBron James. Not only did his Los Angeles Lakers snap their five-game losing streak by defeating the Houston Rockets, but the four-time MVP also made NBA history once again.
LeBron finished with 32 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists against the Rockets, notching his third triple-double of the season and the 102nd of his career. The King started at center for the first time in his life, but that wasn’t the history he accomplished.
LeBron James is first player aged 35 or above to score 30 points or more in five straight games
LeBron has scored 30-plus points in five straight games. The four-time Finals MVP is the first player in NBA history aged 35 or above to score 30 points or more in five consecutive games. LeBron, who turns 37 on Dec. 30, edged Hall of Famers Michael Jordan, Karl Malone, and Elgin Baylor, who all hit the scoring feat four games in a row when they were in that age range.
“I just feel like I’m in a really good offensive zone right now,” LeBron said after the game, via ESPN.
LeBron is averaging 34.4 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 6.4 assists while shooting 58.2% from the field, 33.3% from beyond the arc, and 80.5% from the free-throw line over his last five games. It’s a shame the Lakers are only 1-4 during that stretch, but after beating the Rockets, they passed the Dallas Mavericks for seventh place in the Western Conference standings.
LeBron is doing things no other player in their 19th season has done. Most players don’t even make it to their 19th year, but for those who did, they weren’t putting up the numbers LBJ is this season.
LeBron James is averaging most points for a player in their 19th season
LeBron is putting up 27.6 points per game this season. According to Statmuse, that’s the highest points per game average for a player in their 19th season.
What’s even more remarkable is that LeBron is averaging his most points this season since the 2009-10 campaign when he averaged 28.4 points with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Akron Hammer’s longevity is impressive and should be appreciated by NBA fans.
Following the Rockets game, LeBron became the third player in NBA history to reach 36,000 points. He’s third on the NBA’s all-time scoring list, trailing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Karl Malone. When it’s all said and done, the Lakers superstar could pass Abdul-Jabbar and quite possibly have the best NBA résumé ever.
The King’s résumé is incredible
LeBron is already the only player in NBA history to rank top-10 all-time in points and assists and win three Finals MVPs with three different teams. If he passes Abdul-Jabbar on the all-time scoring list and wins another championship, he may be the undisputed GOAT.
LeBron is second in NBA history in player efficiency rating, sixth in points per game, fifth in triple-doubles, eighth in assists, and 11th in 3-point field goals. He recently became the only player to rank top-100 in points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks, and 3-pointers. There will never be another LeBron, and NBA fans should celebrate and enjoy his greatness while they still can.
It remains to be seen if LeBron will win another championship and Finals MVP. However, the Akron native has solidified his place on the NBA’s Mount Rushmore even if he doesn’t capture another title.
