Despite the Los Angeles Lakers’ struggling performance being in the 10th in the Western Conference, LeBron James, as always, still got what it takes to lead the team to a win against his former team, the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday night game with 131-120. Through the game, not only that the four-time NBA Champion made some record-breaking history, but also had a scary incident.
Via @EliasSports, LeBron James is the 6th player with at least 3 triple-doubles vs his former team in NBA history. Tonight marked the first time he scored 30+ points in a triple-double vs the Cavaliers. pic.twitter.com/LwH9r5UEwX
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) March 22, 2022
LeBron’s number
James became sixth in NBA history to record his third triple-double against his former team. Monday’s night effort presented James’ first time scoring 30 points in triple-doubles.
ESPN Stats & Information reported LeBron at 37 years surpassed Lakers legend Kobe Bryant as the oldest player to ever drop a 30-point triple-double. At that time, Bryant was 36 years when he made the record. He had 31 points, 11 rebounds, and 12 assists in a winning game against the Toronto Raptors in November 2014.
King James finished the game with 38 points, 11 rebounds, and 12 assists. He shot an efficient 17 of 29 shots.
Despite James’ consistent performance, he also overcame an unexpected event during the game. The 37-year-old was kicked in the face by Evan Mobley when Mobley attempted to go for the ball. LeBron then fell to the floor in visible pain. The 18-time NBA All-Star ended up being fine.
Obviously, the four-time NBA MVP proves his sustainability in the game, despite his history of injuries. James was asked to whom his motivation and spirit came from, he responded.
.@KingJames gets a standing ovation from the Cleveland crowd. 👏 pic.twitter.com/NSMPxvEYhP
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) March 21, 2022
James’ key to winning mindset
James once said that his outstanding performance was indirectly for his sons. Although he never explicitly stated that, the world knows his “whatever it takes” to play with his son, Bronny James, in his last year of the NBA.
He surely showed how being able to meet his sons has become one of his inspirations and a priority to recharge his head to get in the game.
“Who me? How do I continue how I’m playing? Been doing it for 19 years,” the 13-time All-NBA First Team said. “Just do what I’ve been doing. I feel like I’m getting better and better each and every day. I’m getting healthier and healthier.”
LeBron stated to Dave McMenamin of ESPN last year that being around Bronny makes him feel young.
“That’s just my mindset. Don’t get involved in how many minutes I played, how many days off,” James said. “I don’t confine to that. I think you think negative thoughts or negative energy, it just creeps into your mind. So, I’m as young as I’ve ever been.”
One of the major components of James’ energy on the field is not only a proper sleeping schedule but also his teammates.
“Sleep and inspiration from my son and his team,” James said. “I slept last night from 12 [a.m.] to 8 [a.m.], I got up, ate breakfast and went back to sleep from 8:30 [a.m.] to 12:30 [p.m.],” James said.
LeBron also received many compliments from teammate and Lakers head coach, Frank Vogel.
“Nothing feels like it’s limited resources with him,” Vogel said. “Just the way he plays, that’s the way we have to be. That’s Lakers basketball. It doesn’t matter who our opponent is, what their record is, what the situation is. We want to play harder than our opponent.”
Hopefully, LeBron could always bring victories to his team. Of course, the team must also keep up if they want to go for the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Lakers are preparing for another game on Thursday against the Philadelphia 76ers.