LeBron James created history at the Staples Center last night, going past Michael Jordan in NBA’s all time points list, to secure 4th place.
For a kid during LeBron James’ childhood, there was no one bigger in the sport than Michael Jordan(maybe there still isn’t). Thus, for him to go on and beat his idol’s record; it sure must be an amazing feeling.
While it was amazing to the core for LeBron James, it was pretty emotional too, as he had never envisaged overtaking his idol in pure NBA points. As soon as LeBron passed Michael Jordan’s record, he took a moment with just himself on the bench, breaking into tears and soaking in all the praise.
After the game, LeBron spoke to the media about his achievement and how he idolised Michael Jordan whilst growing up.
“You guys have no idea what MJ did for me and my friends growing up. … I thank MJ more than he would ever know."
—@KingJames after passing Michael Jordan on the all-time scoring list pic.twitter.com/qBhXihINpi
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 7, 2019
🎥 @KingJames reminisces on the influence Michael Jordan had on him growing up, and what it means to pass him on the all-time scoring list. pic.twitter.com/PKOUyVNzWu
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) March 7, 2019
He wanted to be like him, play like, him, shoot like him; and thus the moment was a little too overwhelming for him presently.
He paid tribute to Michael Jordan, for having unknowingly motivated him during his childhood. LeBron wanted to be what MJ was on and off the court, someone children could aspire to be; and he was thankful that he had come a little close to that at this stage of his career.
“I don’t know, man, a lot of the stuff I’ve done in my career, this ranks right at the top,” an emotional LeBron said after the game.
“For a kid from Akron, Ohio, that needed inspiration, needed some type of positive influence, MJ was that guy for me.
“Wanted to be like MJ, wanted to shoot fadeaways like MJ, wanted to stick my tongue out on dunks like MJ, wanted to wear my sneakers like MJ. … I wanted kids to look up to me at some point like MJ.
“It’s crazy, to be honest. It’s beyond crazy.” he added.
Can’t even front. This is going to be UNREAL!! Wow man
— LeBron James (@KingJames) March 7, 2019
LeBron passed Michael Jordan’s point tally with a smooth left handed layup in the second quarter, but couldn’t take the Lakers home against the Nuggets.
The night belonged to LeBron James despite Lakers’ loss, as video and social media tributes started pouring in for the big man.
Congratulations to our big kid from Akron, @KingJames 💪, on becoming the 4th leading scorer in @NBA history 🐐 #JustAKidFromAkron 👑 pic.twitter.com/buRmPOpiba
— I PROMISE School (@IPROMISESchool) March 7, 2019
LOVE MY KIDS!! Thank you guys so much and I love y’all more than you guys know and think! 🙏🏾❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ https://t.co/12CuUHNupH
— LeBron James (@KingJames) March 7, 2019
While tonight was a night of celebration for LeBron, things otherwise haven’t been going according to plan for him and his team.
With last night’s loss against the Nuggets, the Lakers are now completely out of playoff contention.
They are 7 wins off eight placed Clippers and will have to play out of their skins in the remaining games to have any chance of sneaking through.
With the fixture list not in their favour, one wouldn’t want to put their money on the Lakers making it to the playoffs.
