Austin Reaves: Only Michael Jordan Fans Say LeBron James Has Something To Prove

NBA legend LeBron James put up 40 points against the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday, helping the Los Angeles Lakers snap their two-game losing streak. 

LeBron, 40, is the oldest player in the NBA. He has scored 40 points twice this season.

NBA icon Michael Jordan scored 40 points once at 40, so LeBron now holds that record. 

“He really just defies anything that’s normal,” Lakers head coach JJ Redick said. “And not just the physical feats and the plays. It’s the mentality. … He’s a billionaire, and he’s playing on the second night of a back-to-back at 40 after 22 years with every fricking record and every accolade. … It’s like, he’s amazing to coach. … He sets the standard for how you’re supposed to approach this craft.”

LeBron is averaging 24.7 points, 7.7 rebounds and 8.9 assists this season while shooting 51.6% from the field, 39.7% from beyond the arc and 77.0% from the free-throw line. He played in both of the Lakers’ back-to-back games. 

“I still love the game,” LeBron said. “And I still got a lot to give to the game, to give to my teammates, to give to this league for while I’m here. I don’t have much time left. So, while I’m here today in this time, I’m going to try to give what I got when I’m out on the floor.

“So, why? It’s the love of the game and I have an opportunity now to show my son the ranks of how to be a professional in this league. And to be along [with] him every single day, that’s a treat.”

Lakers guard Austin Reaves, who had 32 points and seven assists against the Blazers, took a shot at Jordan fans while praising LeBron, the leading scorer in NBA history. 

“He really doesn’t have anything else to prove,” Reaves said. “And if people say he does, then they’re Jordan fans.”