LeBron James added another historic milestone to his illustrious career during the Los Angeles Lakers’ commanding 119-102 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night. With a signature turnaround jumper late in the game, James reached his 563rd career regular-season game scoring at least 30 points, surpassing the record set by Michael Jordan in 2003.
Jordan achieved his feat in 1,072 games over 15 seasons, while James needed 1,523 games across 22 seasons to claim the top spot. Reflecting on the accomplishment, James expressed humility and gratitude:
“It’s very humbling. Anytime I’m mentioned alongside the greats, especially someone like Michael Jordan, it’s super cool. He was my inspiration growing up, and I wear 23 because of him.”
James, who recently celebrated his 40th birthday, is one of the few active players who witnessed Jordan’s dominance during the 1990s. He credits Jordan as a driving force behind his love for basketball, having admired the Bulls legend while growing up in Akron, Ohio.
A Night of Milestones
In addition to breaking Jordan’s record, James also surpassed Dirk Nowitzki for the fourth-most games played in NBA history, marking his 1,523rd regular-season appearance. Already holding the record for most postseason games played (287), James continues to redefine longevity in professional basketball.
His consistency remains unmatched—just a day earlier, he tied Jordan’s record with a 38-point performance against Portland, hitting seven three-pointers in the process. James is now one of only three players to score at least 30 points in a game after turning 40, alongside Jordan and Nowitzki.
The Craft Behind the Numbers
James’ ability to deliver in clutch moments was on full display against Atlanta, with his final two buckets coming on fadeaway jumpers reminiscent of Jordan’s midrange dominance. Though their techniques differ, James acknowledged the shared dedication that makes such shots effective:
“Jordan was more of a left-shoulder fadeaway guy, and I go the opposite way. It’s just two masters of their craft putting in the work to make it unguardable.”
Teammates and Coaches Reflect
Lakers forward Anthony Davis, a Chicago native, playfully noted the extra seasons it took James to surpass Jordan’s record but emphasized his appreciation for witnessing greatness firsthand. Meanwhile, Lakers coach JJ Redick praised James’ contributions during a critical stretch of the game, noting how his fadeaways and three-pointer helped seal the win.
James’ unparalleled career continues to amaze fans and peers alike. As he extends his legacy, his commitment to excellence and consistency cements his place among the greatest to ever play the game.
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