LeBron James has once again etched his name in the annals of NBA history by tying Michael Jordan's all-time record for the most 30-point games. With his impressive 38-point performance, James reached the milestone for the 562nd time during the Los Angeles Lakers' 114-106 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on January 3, 2025.
It was a pivotal night for both the Lakers and James, as the team sought to solidify its playoff positioning amid the absence of star player Anthony Davis. James's performance was nothing short of remarkable as he shot 15-of-25 from the field and contributed eight assists, showcasing his sharp shooting and playmaking abilities. After the game, James reflected on his approach, stating, "I don’t pace myself for it. But when you have a heater to go on, you try to keep it going by continuing to take good shots, take the right shots, and not get yourself out of the zone." His ability to maintain high standards of play at 40 years old continues to defy expectations.
Lakers coach JJ Redick was not taken aback by James's display of dominance. He praised James's versatility, saying, "He did it in a number of ways... Just another 38-point game for LeBron." This high-scoring game places James firmly among the elite scorers, and it serves as yet another indication of his role as the backbone of the Lakers.
While tying the record is impressive, it is the comparison to Jordan's achievements at similar ages and with far fewer games played, which puts James's feat in perspective. Michael Jordan reached this impressive distinction during his 39th year of life and accrued his 562nd 30-point game after only 1,072 games—450 less than James's 1,522 games played. This vast difference highlights not just the longevity of James's career but also the evolution of the game over the years.
The NBA has transformed significantly since Jordan's era, leading to fewer games played per season, which adds to the gravity of Jordan’s remarkable feat. Both players achieved the milestone of 562 games at age 40, with Jordan's notable last 30-point game occurring against the New York Knicks on March 9, 2003. It is undeniable, though, the continued endurance and skill shown by James at this late stage of his career.
Fans of the Lakers are hopeful as they watch James perform at such elite levels, especially after the team has undergone several roster changes this season. The Lakers are currently sixth in the fiercely competitive Western Conference, but James remains confident and emphasizes the necessity of teamwork. He acknowledged, "When you’ve got a guy [Davis]... he’s our No. 1 or No. 2 option. So when he’s out, we all have to step up our game. Myself, and I think everybody pitched in." This embodies the collective effort required for the Lakers to maintain their playoff aspirations.
With the trade adjustments made and the contributions from younger players like Max Christie—who scored 28 points against the Trail Blazers—the Lakers could find the support needed to contend for the title. James is setting the pace for the veterans and the rising stars within the organization.
LeBron's approach to the current season shows his commitment to efficiency and teamwork. After the game, he stated, "Work. Just keying in on the things... I just want to come in early, get my shots up and prepare myself mentally to go out there and play an efficient game." His work ethic continues to stand out, contributing not just to his individual success but also to the team’s overall performance.
The Lakers recognize the weight of this season and leverage every opportunity they can. With James still displaying such form, it is merely speculative how soon he will surpass Jordan's record for the most 30-point games. Many experts and fans alike expect him to take just weeks to make history once again.
Regardless, the anticipation around James’s career milestone and the impact on the Lakers’ pursuit of the NBA title keeps the narrative vibrant. Whether you are a lifelong Lakers fan or someone observing merely the stats, it is hard to dismiss the greatness displayed time and again by LeBron James.
Can James maintain this pace, and how far can he push the boundaries of excellence before retiring? Fans will wait with bated breath to see how the rest of the season plays out, hoping for yet another record-breaking season from the player often called one of the greatest of all time.