After the Los Angeles Clippers destroyed the Los Angeles Lakers by 18 points on January 24, Clippers star Kawhi Leonard sent a strong message on Lakers superstar LeBron James.
Leonard, who finished with 25 points, nine rebounds and three assists, called James a “one-of-one” talent when Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints asked him to talk about the Lakers forward approaching the all-time scoring record. James, who scored 46 points against the Clippers, is 178 points away from passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time scoring mark of 38,387 points.
“I didn’t think of it too much until he’s gotten closer and closer,” Leonard . “But yeah, one-of-one talent right there. I mean, you see it for yourself. The way he’s playing at this age. Definitely inspirational for everyone, just to sustain that energy and that mindset to play that long and still wanting to go out and contribute with this effort. So yeah, like I say, he’s an inspiration for everyone.”
By scoring 46 points against the Clippers, James became the only player in NBA history to score 40 points against all 30 teams. The 38-year-old future Hall of Famer is averaging 30.2 points, 8.5 rebounds and 6.9 assists on the season, defying Father Time by putting up spectacular numbers in his 20th season.
“It’s just incredible,” Clippers All-Star Paul George of James. “I think the one thing that sticks out is just how long he’s been doing it. To be 38 [and score] 46 tonight. That is super impressive. To do it 20 years, that’s what stands out the most is just his longevity in his game and to be available. He’s pretty much been available throughout his whole career. But, you know, the league is his. Stand-up guy, been [an] amazing mentor, leader to a lot of us young guys and he’s been awesome. It’s great that he’ll be the scoring leader.”
LeBron James Is Frustrated With Losing
The Lakers have struggled since winning the 2020 championship over the Miami Heat. They lost in the first round of the 2021 playoffs, missed the postseason in 2022 and are only 22-26 this season. James, who passed Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant on the all-time scoring list in games the Lakers lost, is tired of making history in losses.
“Just over the last few years, the last couple years …read more
Source:: Heavy.com