Austin Reaves, Los Angeles Lakers
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Austin Reaves, Los Angeles Lakers
On Feb. 12, LeBron James became the oldest player to record a triple-double in the NBA. The Los Angeles Lakers‘ aging superstar ended the night with 28 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists as his team defeated the Dallas Mavericks 124-104.
When speaking to the media after the game, Austin Reaves shared his thoughts on LeBron’s performance.
“I think LeBron just was being himself, controlling the game, you know, doing what he does…I mean, I think it’s obviously super impressive,” Reaves said. “You know, he’s fighting father time as good as anybody ever has. Just the pace that he’s playing with, the athleticism, obviously the IQ. Yeah, he’s still one of the best players in the NBA. He’s an all-star for a reason. And, yeah, he’s just a pretty good basketball player.”
The triple-double was the 123rd of LeBron’s career. It was also a reminder of what he’s still capable of doing on a basketball court, despite edging closer and closer to the end of his career.
Nevertheless, the Lakers’ win was the most important aspect of Thursday night. The victory moved Los Angeles to fifth in the Western Conference, just half a game behind the Houston Rockets and 1.5 games behind the Denver Nuggets.
Lakers’ LeBron James Speaks On Triple-Double
During his own postgame discussion with the media, LeBron shared his gratitude to still be playing at such a high level despite his advancing age.
“Well, it means more to me than anything, but I’ve been very blessed to play this game, play it at a high level, and I was able to do it again tonight,” LeBron said. “…I’m a goofy-ass 41-year-old kid. I mean, I think people should know that by now, right? Yeah, that’s just me. I’m just saying. Goofy. I just, I’m… I get to play basketball. Right. They pay me to play basketball. Like, why wouldn’t I be happy about that?”
LeBron missed the first 14 games of the Lakers’ season due to sciatica. Since returning to the court, he’s suited up for 36 games. He’s averaging 22 points, 5.8 rebounds and 7.1 assists per night, shooting 50.2% from the field and 30.5% from deep.
LeBron James Could Leave Lakers This Summer
According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, LeBron could have multiple suitors once his current contract with the Lakers expires in the summer.
“Cleveland is one of them. I’m not sure I’d put the Heat on the list. Golden State depending on how things go would be one,” Windhorst said on the Rich Eisen Show. “There’s a place of two that I won’t say right now that I’m keeping my eye on. I have a team or two that I think he could consider going to and I have researched the concept and I will continue to keep my eye on the concept.”
Los Angeles will eventually need to retool the roster around Luka Doncic. LeBron’s tenure with the Purple and Gold is expected to come to an end. If he chooses to play for another season, moving to a ready-made contender would be the most logical choice.
However, he would need to accept a sizeable pay cut to ensure that the contending roster remained intact upon his arrival.