NBA Notes: LeBron James, Lakers, Suns, Kevin Durant, Sixers, Tyrese Maxey

LeBron James Moves to 10th on Lakers’ All-Time Scoring List

Lakers superstar LeBron James surpassed Hall of Famer Jamaal Wilkes to move into 10th on the franchise’s all-time scoring list. This milestone came in the third quarter of the Lakers’ loss to the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night. James finished with 18 points, bringing his total to 10,603 in a Lakers uniform, edging past Wilkes’ 10,601 points scored between 1977 and 1985.

“It’s always an honor to be mentioned among the Lakers greats,” James said. “Jamaal was a legend, and to be in that company means a lot.”

Kevin Durant Eager for Second Half Surge with Suns

The Suns will face San Antonio on Feb. 20 in their first game after the All-Star break at Moody Center in Austin, where Durant played his lone college season for the Texas Longhorns. Durant emphasized the importance of resetting mentally and physically before making a push in the season’s second half.

“Hopefully everybody gets their minds clear, enjoy their break with their families, get their bodies right and then come back and put our foot on the gas and try to get this thing turned around,” Durant said. “We know we can be better. I’m excited about how we’re going to come in as far as mindset.”

Tyrese Maxey, Sixers Struggling to Find Offensive Rhythm

Tyrese Maxey was averaging 30.6 points and 7.1 assists per game in 2024 before Tuesday’s loss, but the return of key players has caused the Sixers’ offense to stagnate. The challenge of integrating Paul George alongside Joel Embiid remains a work in progress, as the team looks to find a balance in their system.

“I’d be lying if I said I thought I came in here and I thought this would be an easy process. It’s been challenging. It’s definitely been challenging,” George said. “But I’m here to learn and figure it out. (Embiid’s) an unbelievable talent. He makes the game easy with just his presence, his attention that he draws. But it’s been a challenge.”