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LeBron James has added record to his career, suring his childhood idol, Michael Jordan, in career 30-point games.
During the Los Angeles Lakers' 119-102 win over the Atlanta Hawks. Iconicly and in a tribute mode, Lebron wore number 23.
"It's very humbling," LeBron said after the Lakers secured their eighth win in the last 11 games. "Every time I'm linked with any of the greats and possibly the greatest of all time, it's super cool. He's someone I idolized as a kid-I wear 23 because of him. So knowing that I can be here, in the same conversation or whatever, when you talk about MJ, it's super incredible for me, coming from where I come from."
LeBron's 30-point game against the Hawks was the 563rd of his career, edging past Jordan's record of 562 games set in 2003. While Jordan accomplished the feat in 1,072 games over 15 seasons, LeBron reached the milestone in his 1,523rd game after 22 seasons. Despite the longer career span, James remains in awe of Jordan's legacy and the inspiration he provided to generations of players.
Teammate Anthony Davis, who returned to the lineup with an impressive 18 points, 19 rebounds, and three blocks, couldn't resist poking fun at LeBron. "It took him seven more seasons," Davis quipped with a grin. "But honestly, it's an incredible achievement. By now, I think he's probably number one in everything."
For James, Jordan has always represented the pinnacle of greatness. From his upbringing in Akron, Ohio, to his emotional reaction when he sured Jordan on the NBA's all-time scoring list in 2019, the connection runs deep. LeBron called Jordan "an inspiration" and the player who ignited his own basketball dreams.
The fadeaway shot that secured LeBron's 30-point game on Friday was a nod to Jordan's iconic move. Reflecting on it, James remarked, "He was more of a fadeaway with the left shoulder. I tend to go the opposite side. But the craft and the balance he had, that's something I studied for years. It's just about putting in the work, staying dedicated, and striving to master your craft." For LeBron, breaking records is less about numbers and more about honoring the legacies that shaped his journey.