LeBron James has cemented himself as one of, if not the greatest, player to ever play in the NBA. He has achieved everything there is to achieve in the game, but he continues to amaze fans all over the world.
The four-time champion has defied Father Time like nobody else. On Saturday night, he put on a show for the Lakers fans as he led his team to a 107-98 victory over the Houston Rockets in game one at the Crypto.com Arena. It was crucial for the Lakers to start the series off with a win on home court.
James nearly recorded a triple-double on the night. However, he still broke a record. He became the oldest player in NBA history to record a points/assists double-double in a playoff game. He ended his night with 19 points, eight rebounds, and 13 assists. It was an all-round display from the four-time champion as he had two steals and one block to his name as well.
There were a lot of questions surrounding the Lakers heading into the playoffs after Luka Doncichurt his hamstring and Austin Reaves was diagnosed with a Grade 2 left oblique muscle injury. With both primary scorers sidelined for multiple weeks, it was expected that they would miss the beginning of the playoffs.
Therefore, the only player who can lead the Lakers heading into the playoffs is a 41-year-old LeBron James. Hence, many doubted the Lakers' chances against the Rockets. But things have gotten off to the best of starts for the purple and gold.
While the doubts over LeBron James leading the Lakers were understandable, it was always going to backfire. Despite turning 41, James may not be in his prime anymore, but he has shown no real signs of slowing down. He has been impressive towards the end of the regular season and in game one of the playoffs.
Following the win, fans took to social media to react to James' impressive performance on Saturday.
Fans enjoyed James' double-double showing in game one. He will be looking to lead the Lakers to another victory in game two at home.
The duo of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves is expected to be back soon. Till their return, LeBron James will be expected to keep things going in this series. The Lakers were handed a boost before tip-off when Rockets star player Kevin Durant was ruled out due to a knee injury. The forward is expected to be back for game two.
After the win, James revealed that he misses having Doncic and Reaves by his side.
I really miss my boys (Luka and Austin). I'm getting too old for these runs, but it's good to show the haters that I've still got fuel in the tank.
LeBron James in his court-side interviewWith two whole days of rest, James will need all the time he can get at 41 to be ready for game two. The game is scheduled to take place on Tuesday night at the Crypto.com Arena. James and the Lakers will be looking to secure home court advantage before heading off to Houston.
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