LeBron James Becomes Oldest NBA Player to Score 40

James breaks Michael Jordan's record in Lakers win over Warriors
By Newser.AI Read our AI policy
Posted Feb 7, 2025 8:06 AM CST
LeBron James Becomes Oldest NBA Player to Score 40
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James shoots a jumper against Golden State Warriors guard Buddy Hield during the second half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025, in Los Angeles.   (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)

LeBron James has set a new milestone in basketball history by becoming the oldest player in the NBA to score 40 points in a single game at age 40. This achievement took place on Thursday night during the Los Angeles Lakers' 120-112 victory over the Golden State Warriors, surpassing the previous record held by Michael Jordan. James' performance, comprising a season-high 42 points, signifies his continued effectiveness in his 22nd NBA season, despite being 38 days past his 40th birthday.

James not only scored notably but also secured 17 rebounds and made eight assists. He lit up the second quarter with 18 points, including three rapid-fire 3-pointers within 38 seconds, earning him a standing ovation from the Lakers fans. Throughout the match, he showed his leadership by stepping up when needed, especially when a 26-point lead shrank to just five in the fourth quarter. A critical 3-pointer and an assist from James in the final moments secured the Lakers' win.

Lakers coach JJ Redick praised James' performance, emphasizing the difficulty in finding words to describe his achievements at such an advanced stage in his career. Despite falling short of a triple-double for the second consecutive game, James remains the second-oldest player after Karl Malone to record a triple-double, with 10 to his name this season. His effort comes at a time when Luka Doncic, set to join the Lakers following a trade from Dallas, is watching from the sidelines, poised to make his debut against Utah soon. James expressed excitement about playing alongside Doncic, praising him as a "generational talent" at only 25 years old. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)

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