Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images
The Los Angeles Lakers will soon add one of the best scorers in the NBA, Luka Dončić, to their lineup. Until then, they can count on LeBron James.
The 40-year-old James, who continues to defeat Father Time, lifted the Lakers to a 120-112 win over the Golden State Warriors on Thursday behind an absurd scoring outburst.
James had 42 points in the win, adding 17 boards and eight assists. He’s the second player to score 40 or more points at the age of 40—the other being the great Michael Jordan.
James may not be the same player he once was, but after another outstanding performance, it’s hard to deny he’s not one of the best players in the league at the moment.
NBA fans were thrilled by the scoring outburst on social media after the win.
Ben Golliver @BenGolliver
There are now two members of the NBA’s 40/40 club (40+ points in a game at 40+ years old)
– Michael Jordan: 43 points for Wizards vs. Nets in 2003
– LeBron James: 42 points (& counting) for Lakers vs. Warriors in 2025 pic.twitter.com/ZaxzfibvEP
Bleacher Report @BleacherReport
LEBRON IN THE 1ST HALF VS. WARRIORS 🔥
23 PTS
11 REB
5 AST
8-12 FG
5-6 3PT
KING HIM. 👑 pic.twitter.com/OKVwR2TfHy
Real Sports @realapp_
LeBron James joins Luka Doncic as the only players in NBA history to have a single half with:
20+ PTS
10+ REB
5+ AST
5+ 3PM pic.twitter.com/MxmhqiAVOH
James is playing his best basketball of the season at the moment, and it’s led to a recent surge for the Lakers. They’ve won 11 of their last 13 games and are currently sitting in fifth place in the Western Conference at 30-19.
While Los Angeles will certainly miss Anthony Davis after he was traded to the Dallas Mavericks, it seems like the Lakers might be able to make do without him, especially once Dončić is on the court.
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