Los Angeles Lakers superstar Lebron James continued his quest to take over the NBA’s all-time scoring record, dropping his first triple-double of the season to lead the Lakers past the New York Knicks at MSG on Tuesday night.
James scored 28 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and dished out 11 assists for the overtime victory, becoming the first player to log a triple-double in his 20th season or beyond.
James’ 11 assists helped him pass Mark Jackson (10,334) and Steve Nash (10,335) to move up to fourth on the all-time assists list, with 10,338.
“It’s amazing because that’s just what I love to do and get my guys involved,” James said following the game, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “Anytime you link with some of the greats — Mark Jackson played here, was drafted here by the Knicks, so it’s a super cool thing. And obviously, we know when Nash was [in the league]; I played against him for many, many years. His ability to pass the ball was very uncanny.”
“He’s just a kid who’s grown before our eyes, the last 20 years at this level, has done nothing but play the right way and make the play that’s in front of him,” Lakers coach Darvin Ham said. “Regardless of how much he’s been criticized for a while for not taking the last shots and the overpassing, he’s just making the right plays. You saw that again tonight.”
James’ teammate Anthony Davis said that the team is pumped up as James pursues the all-time scoring record, currently held by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
“The team is very excited,” Davis said. “It’s probably going to be a surreal moment for all of us, but probably more so him. … Obviously, whatever game it is, we want to be able to win the game.”
As James inches closer to the milestone, he said pressure is not mounting.
“It’s not getting heavier,” James said. “I’m going to do it. I mean, it’s just a matter of time when I’m going to do it. It’s not heavy. I’m not going anywhere. I’m going to be in this league for at least a few more years.
“I’m going to do it. It’s not heavy at all.”
