Passion driving LeBron James to new records after scoring milestone

LOS ANGELES – LeBron James may never be able to settle the eternal debate over whether he deserves to be recognised as the greatest player in National Basketball Association (NBA) history, ahead of Michael Jordan.

But, after reaching another milestone in his age-defying career, there is a strong case to be made that the 40-year-old NBA icon is at least winning his improbable duel with Father Time.

On March 4, the Los Angeles Lakers star became the first NBA player in history to score 50,000 career points over the regular season and play-offs, an astonishing record that many believe will never be beaten.

Hours earlier, he had set another record, becoming the oldest man to win a Player of the Month award following a dazzling February in which he averaged 29.3 points, 10.5 rebounds and 6.9 assists per game.

He has demonstrated once again the kind of routine excellence and consistency that have been the hallmarks of a career now deep into its 22nd season.

Speaking after his team-high 34 points in the 136-115 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on March 4, James said his enduring passion for the sport had propelled him to the 50,033-point combined total.

“I mean, that’s a lot of points,” he reflected at the Crypto.com Arena.

“Obviously, the first thing that comes to mind is where I’m from. Picking up the game when I was a little kid and having a love for the sport, and hoping that someday I’d be able to play at the highest level.

“I’ve been able to do that and really enjoy my career. So it’s definitely an honour.”

James admitted, though, that the relentless grind of the NBA’s gruelling 82-game regular season has become more challenging as the years have rolled by.

“Continuing to fall in love with the process – that’s the hardest thing, every single year. You know it’s going to be a long season. It’s 82 games, 41 of them are on the road. It’s a lot of travel,” he added.

“As you get older, it affects you differently. If you have a family, it affects you even differently. So the process, trying not to fall out of love with the process, is the hardest thing.”

So far this season, there has been little sign that James’ passion is on the wane. In February, he became the only player in NBA history to record multiple 40-point games at the age of 40 or older.

“He really just defies anything that’s normal,” Lakers coach J.J. Redick said.

“And not just the physical feats and the plays. It’s the mentality. He’s one of the greatest competitors. He’s amazing to coach. He brings it every single day.

“He sets the standard for how you’re supposed to approach this craft. And that’s to me, the most incredible thing. It’s just a mindset to do it, get up the next day, do it, get up the next day, do it, over and over and over again.”

The question now is whether James’ remarkable form can carry the Lakers to a record-equalling 18th NBA championship.

That possibility has looked more likely over the past month, with James forming a potent partnership alongside Luka Doncic following the Slovenian star’s stunning trade from the Dallas Mavericks in February.

The Lakers (39-21) are now second in the Western Conference following a seven-game winning streak. They next host the New York Knicks on March 6 (March 7, Singapore time).

Over in the East, the top teams were in action on March 5.

Career-highs by Payton Pritchard (43 points) and Derrick White (41) fired second-placed Boston Celtics (44-18) to a 128-118 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers at TD Garden.

It was the first time in their franchise history that two Boston players scored 40-plus points in the same game.

At the Rocket Arena, Donovan Mitchell scored 26 points and Evan Mobley added 16 points and 13 rebounds to help the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Miami Heat 112-107 for their 12 straight victory.

The Eastern leaders (52-10) also became the first side to seal a spot in the NBA play-offs. AFP, REUTERS