LeBron James scored 30 points to become the NBA's career leader in 30-point games, surpassing Michael Jordan's record during the Los Angeles Lakers' 119-102 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night.
James hit an 18-foot jumper midway through the fourth quarter to secure the 563rd 30-point game of his 22-year career, breaking the record set in 2003 by his childhood idol. With nine points in the fourth quarter, he showcased his prowess, leading the Lakers who displayed little fatigue after playing three home games within four nights.
Austin Reaves contributed significantly with 20 points, and Anthony Davis had a standout performance with 18 points and 19 rebounds after resting his sprained left ankle the previous game. The victory marks the Lakers' seventh win in their last nine games, propelling them to fourth place in the Western Conference.
On the other side, Trae Young put forth a strong effort for the Hawks, scoring 33 points and assisting on nine occasions, though his team faced their second consecutive loss during their six-game road trip. Jalen Johnson also made notable contributions, scoring 19 points.
Despite the Hawks employing active defense throughout the match, their shooting woes were evident as key players including Zaccharie Risacher, Dyson Daniels, De'Andre Hunter, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Garrison Matthews combined for only 2-for-21 from beyond the arc.
A pivotal moment unfolded when the Hawks were still within reach until James nailed back-to-back turnaround jumpers, echoing moves reminiscent of Michael Jordan's iconic style. This performance not only showcased James' skills but also solidified his place among the all-time greats.
Adding to the excitement, James also played his 1,523rd career regular-season game, surpassing Dirk Nowitzki for fourth place on the all-time list.
Bronny James made his long-awaited return, playing the final 1:41 of the game after not having seen action since December 8, adding another layer to the evening's significance.
Looking ahead, the Hawks will head to Los Angeles to challenge the Clippers on Saturday, aiming to break their losing streak. Meanwhile, the Lakers will travel to Houston to kick off their two-game road trip.