Image Source: Bleacher Report
How are LeBron James’ stats looking like on his birthday?
LeBron James, the standout player for the Lakers, scores 47 points, going close to being the first player in NBA history to record the stats of achieving a triple-double on his birthday. LeBron James has dedicated his life to exceeding unrealistic expectations.
Why worry about being surprised, when he delivered a performance no one could have reasonably expected going into it: 47 points, 10 rebounds, 9 assists, a block, 18 for 27 shooting, 4-for-6 from long range, 7 for 8 at the line, and finally a 130-121 victory and that all happened on the court as it was his 38th birthday.
James was one assist away from achieving the first triple-double on his birthday in NBA history. He joined Jamal Crawford, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Michael Jordan as the only players in league history to score at least 45 points at age 38 or older with his season-high 47 points, just two of which came in the first quarter.
Only his 48-point outburst when he turned 25 in 2009 had more points on his birthday than James’ effort on Friday. He also tied Kareem and Rick Barry for eighth place all-time with his 70th game of 40 or more points in a career. He now just has a 527-point deficit over Abdul-Jabbar for an all-time record.
For his birthday, James invited his wife Savannah and mother Gloria to watch courtside. The NBA family was also keeping an eye on him, applauding the 38-year-old great on social media in the wake of the triumph.
James, in response to his performance and his mother and wife accompanying him on this special occasion, stated, “They’ve been with me since before this 20-year campaign started…They’re the rock to everything that I do. To have them there tonight sitting courtside and just being a part of this journey, being here for my birthday, being here for the holidays, it’s pretty cool.”
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