LeBron James Brushes Off Another NBA Record as Los Angeles Lakers Shift Focus to Championship Race

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Feb 22, 2025, 00:16 IST

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At 40, LeBron James scores 40 points to lead the Lakers to victory, moving past Vince Carter in all-time games played. With Luka Doncic now on the team, the Lakers aim for the title despite the challenges of integrating two star players.

LeBron James Brushes Off Another NBA Record as Los Angeles Lakers Shift Focus to Championship Race

(Image Via Getty)

LeBron James has made breaking records look routine, but he had no interest in celebrating his latest milestone. At 40 years old, James put up 40 points, eight rebounds, and four assists on Thursday night, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a win over the Portland Trail Blazers. With Luka Doncic sidelined, James took control, snapping the team’s two-game losing streak.
Another milestone came with the win—James moved past Vince Carter for third place on the all-time regular season games played list. He’s now just 18 games away from passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. But when told about it, James barely reacted. He’s focused on something bigger.

LeBron James Stays Locked In on Los Angeles Lakers�?Title Hopes

After the game, James didn’t dwell on his latest accomplishment.

"I'll be better next game," he said, brushing off the significance of the record. For him, it’s never been about the numbers. It’s about winning, and now, with Doncic by his side, the Lakers are back in the title conversation.

The trade for Doncic came at a price—losing Anthony Davis was a major blow. But while Doncic is still adjusting to his new role, the Lakers believe they now have one of the most dangerous offensive duos in the league.

Luka Doncic and LeBron James Still Finding Their Rhythm

Pairing two ball-dominant stars isn’t always easy. Doncic and James both thrive with the ball in their hands, and head coach JJ Redick is still working out the best way to use them together. The Lakers have been staggering their minutes, making sure at least one of them is on the floor at all times. It’s a work in progress, but if they figure it out, they could be a nightmare for the rest of the league.
The Lakers also tried to strengthen their frontcourt before the trade deadline. They were on the verge of landing Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams, but the deal fell through after Williams reportedly failed his physical.
Despite all the roster changes, James is as locked in as ever. He’s already brought one championship to L.A., and now he has another shot with Doncic alongside him.
Also Read: Paul George Reacts to Los Angeles Lakers�?Failed Mark Williams Trade: "Thank God It Didn’t Happen"
The Lakers currently sit in the fifth seed in the Western Conference, still working through the kinks. However, for James, personal records mean nothing compared to winning. If this is his last run, he’s making sure it counts.

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About the Author

TOI Sports Desk

The TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the essence of live sporting events and deliver compelling content to readers worldwide. From running live blogs for India and non-India cricket matches to global spectacles featuring Indian talents, like the Chess World Cup final featuring Praggnanandhaa and the Badminton World Championships semifinal featuring HS Prannoy, our live coverage extends to all mega sporting events. We extensively cover events like the Olympics, Asian Games, Cricket World Cups, FIFA World Cups, and more. The desk is also adept at writing comprehensive match reports and insightful post-match commentary, complemented by stats-based articles that provide an in-depth analysis of player performances and team dynamics. We track news wires for key stories, conduct exclusive player interviews in both text and video formats, and file content from print editions and reporters. We keep track of all viral stories, trending topics and produce our own copies on the subjects. We deliver accurate, engaging, and up-to-the-minute sports content, round the clock.

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