There’s something LeBron James has more, and Michael Jordan has less. Yes, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar has officially surpassed the Chicago Bulls legend’s record for the most 30-point games in NBA history. And that is nothing less than a magical experience for the man who has been on and around the court for over two decades.
During the Lakers’ victory over the Atlanta Hawks, James scored his 30th point. That brings his career total to 563 games with at least 30 points. Jordan held the previous record, established in 2003, after accomplishing the feat 562 times throughout 1,072 games. In contrast, James has reached this milestone over 1,523 appearances in his 22-season career.
But like every time, great recognizes great. Bron expressed his deep admiration for Jordan and opened up about what motivated him to wear jersey number 23 for LA.
“It’s very humbling. Anytime I’m mentioned with any of the greats, and arguably the greatest ever to play the game, super-cool. It’s someone I idolized in my childhood, and I wear 23 because of him. So to know that I can sit here and be in the room or in the conversation or whatever it is. You mention MJ, it’s like super-duper dope for me, being a kid where I’m from,” James said.
Bron says he wore 23 because of MJ so it's "dope" to be mentioned in conversation with him 🔥🤝 pic.twitter.com/nAx0M1Uo9f
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 4, 2025
However often we compare the two greats in a conversation, it never dismantles LeBron’s admiration for MJ. According to him, he is still the kid who idolized the Bulls legend while growing up in Akron, Ohio. Even during his most recent game, when James surpassed Jordan, he put in the signature lethal turnaround jumper.
LeBron James Shared The Motivation Behind His Long NBA Career
LeBron James’ determination for the game, rather than anything else, has credited him with a 21-year-long basketball career besides his fine health. That man has been playing so well for so long that he now has his son playing along with him.
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In a recent postgame interview, James shared his perspective on his career length.
“Even now at this point. I just love the game. I love to play the game of basketball. Got an opportunity this summer to be in France and to represent Team USA and that was an amazing opportunity for me and my family being in Paris and bringing home the gold. I just love the game,” LeBron said on Friday.
Additionally, he mentioned that his dream of playing along with Bronny has kept him pushing his dedication to the limit.
“Obviously, my son over there has given me more inspiration and reason to be out there and just to show him what it takes to be a professional, what it takes day in and day out to try to master and be great. And I still have a little left in the tank so I’ll go until it’s empty I guess,” James added.
At 40 years old, with a career replete with records and accolades, James remains motivated by the thrill of competition and a desire to mentor the next generation of athletes. As the conclusion of his illustrious career approaches, LeBron continues to perform at an elite level.
