LOS ANGELES (USA) - "He really just defies anything that's normal."
Lakers head coach JJ Redick still can not believe it. "And not just the physical feats and the plays. It's the mentality. He's a billionaire, and he's playing on the second night of a back-to-back at 40 after 22 years with every fricking record and every accolade. It's like, he's amazing to coach. He sets the standard for how you're supposed to approach this craft."
Less than 24 hours after losing to Charlotte, with a bothersome left foot and ankle, and without Luka Doncic to support him, LeBron James delivered a big performance in Portland in just 36 minutes. His usage rate was through the roof, with plenty of success but also... a career-high in turnovers.
40 points ✅
14-24 shooting (4-8 from three) ✅
8-8 from the free-throw line ✅
8 rebounds ✅
4 assists ✅
11 turnovers (career-high) ❌
Michael Jordan was the first 40 year-old player to score 40+ points, getting 43 in the Washington Wizards' 89-86 win over the New Jersey Nets in 2014.
James reached the 40-point mark for the second time since turning 40 in December, cementing his place as the only player in NBA history to record multiple 40-point games at age 40 or older. The Lakers have won both of those games.
I still love the game
"I still love the game, and I still got a lot to give to the game, to give to my teammates, to give to this league for while I'm here," LBJ said. "I don't have much time left. So, while I'm here today in this time, I'm going to try to give what I got when I'm out on the floor."
"I have an opportunity now to show my son the ranks of how to be a professional in this league. And to be along with him every single day, that's a treat."
Last summer in Paris with USA Basketball, LeBron found the fountain of youth while playing for his national team.
"That was pretty cool to know that from an individual standpoint you can be out there with the best players in the world, and still be able to have a big part of it not only on the floor but off it, so that was dope. That fire and desire was brought back to me."
After collecting a gold medal and an Olympic MVP award, what’s next for this 40-year-old still breathing fire?
FIBA