LeBron James, Jay-Z, Lakers
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Lebron James of the Los Angeles Lakers talks with Jay-Z before an NBA game.
LeBron James did not just play Sunday night.
He delivered a statement.
At 41, in his 23rd NBA season, James produced a near triple-double on the second night of a back-to-back, scoring 31 points with 12 assists and nine rebounds as the Los Angeles Lakers rolled past the Atlanta Hawks 141–116 and snapped a three-game losing streak.
It was the type of performance that no longer surprises his teammates — but still seems to require explanation.
James provided one.
LeBron James Cites Jay-Z While Addressing Critics
After the game, James responded to growing discussion about his workload, his age and his continued dominance with a message about respect — for the game, for the work and for himself.
“I would never disrespect the basketball gods,” James said. “I understand that it’s a real thing, and I would never disrespect the game when it comes to playing it. So I put the time, the effort and the commitment into it — mentally, physically, spiritually — every time I step on the floor, every time I’m at practice, whatever the case may be.”
James said his preparation is rooted in example, not validation.
“I’m always trying to set an example for my teammates and for the younger generation that’s watching me or has watched me throughout my career,” he said. “My son is right over there, so I can’t afford to cheat the game — ever. I have to set an example for him, too.”
He ended his message by quoting Jay-Z, his song “December 4th” off The Black Album.
“If you can’t respect that, your whole perspective is whack,” James said. “Maybe you’ll love me when I fade to black.”
JJ Redick Defends James’ Commitment and Competitive Drive
James’ comments came after Lakers coach JJ Redick delivered an emotional defense of his star’s work ethic and competitive stamina earlier in the night.
“I said it a few times to start the season — uncharted territory,” Redick said of James playing at this level so late into his career. “He got hit in the quad in the fourth quarter, he’s already in the ice bath, and he’s going to do everything he possibly can to play in his 23rd year. It’s remarkable. His competitive stamina is off the charts.”
Redick said what bothers him most is not the scrutiny, but the tone of it.
“It’s actually unfortunate how much this guy puts into it and how much he cares and the way certain people talk about him,” Redick said. “Come be around him every day and see how much he cares. It’s off the charts.”
When asked what he meant by “unfortunate,” Redick made his point more directly.
“Because that’s the nature of envy,” he said. “You’re not going to get a click by saying something nice about somebody, by acknowledging someone’s greatness, by acknowledging how much they care and how much they work and how much they’ve accomplished. You’ve got to say something bad about him.”
LeBron James Leads Early as Lakers Pull Away
James set the tone early.
He had 12 points and seven assists by halftime as the Lakers built a 21-point lead and never looked back.
His control of the game — particularly in transition and early offense — allowed Los Angeles to play downhill and with pace, keeping Atlanta on its heels throughout the night.
The result was not just a win, but a reminder of what James still provides beyond numbers: direction, tempo and control.
LeBron Reflects on Legacy and Longevity
James said afterward that he is less concerned with how his career is debated than how it is felt.
“I just hope that once I’m done, that I made an impact for the people that follow my career and watch me,” James said. “My fans that’ve been locked down with me for over 23 years since I started this journey as a high school freshman — that’s all that matters.”
At 41, James is not chasing approval.
He is modeling longevity.
And on a night when he nearly made history, he also clarified something else:
The work has never stopped. That respect still matters.
And the message, for those willing to hear it, is simple:
Attack his perceived weaknesses. He’ll continue to respond with greatness.