LeBron James has etched a new record in NBA history by becoming the first player to compete both as a teenager and beyond the age of 40, despite the Los Angeles Lakers’ recent setback against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Beginning his illustrious NBA career at just 18 years of age in 2003, James celebrated his 40th birthday on the 30th of December. In a challenging match at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, he contributed 23 points, although it wasn’t enough to secure a win, with the Lakers falling 122-110 to Cleveland. Jarrett Allen was a standout for Cleveland, scoring 27 points and leading his team to their eighth consecutive victory.
Acknowledged as one of basketball’s all-time greats, James holds the title of the NBA’s leading scorer and boasts an impressive resume that includes four NBA Championships and four MVP titles. Now in his 22nd season, he matches the record set by Vince Carter for the longest NBA career.
While the Lakers currently hold the seventh spot in the Western Conference, the Cavaliers continue to dominate at the top of the Eastern Conference.
In other NBA action, Giannis Antetokounmpo made a significant impact with 30 points and 12 rebounds, driving the Milwaukee Bucks to a remarkable recovery victory over the Indiana Pacers. Down by 19 points in the late third quarter, the Bucks surged to a 120-112 triumph in Indianapolis.
Meanwhile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the hero for the Oklahoma City Thunder, who extended their winning streak to 12 games after a 113-105 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Gilgeous-Alexander racked up 40 points, highlighting his pivotal role in the game.
The Boston Celtics delivered a crushing defeat to the Toronto Raptors, who suffered their 11th consecutive loss in a lopsided game that ended 125-71. Jayson Tatum was a key contributor for the Celtics with 23 points and eight rebounds.
Elsewhere, the San Antonio Spurs easily overcame the Los Angeles Clippers with a score of 122-86, thanks to a stellar performance by Victor Wembanyama, who posted 27 points alongside nine rebounds.
Lastly, the Memphis Grizzlies claimed a close victory against the Phoenix Suns with a score of 117-112. Jaren Jackson Jr. led the Grizzlies with a robust 38-point game, complemented by Kevin Durant’s solid 29-point effort for the Suns, who are struggling to regain their form with six losses in their last seven games.
