LeBron James has been in the league for 21 years, in 20 of them has been named an All-Star as he immediately entered the league as the next NBA icon following Michael Jordan and the late Kobe Bryant.
At 39, LeBron James is still playing at a high level and producing great results for his team. The Lakers’ superstar was named NBA All-Star captain again this season and recorded his 20th participation in the NBA All-Star festivities, surpassing the great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar who finished his NBA career with 19.
After dropping 25 points and 12 assists in the Los Angeles Lakers’ blowout win over the Chicago Bulls on Thursday, James expressed his feelings on what he means to him, registering another record and his late stage of his career.
“I give credit and a lot of respect to my fans who have been along with me through this whole 21-year journey,” James said, per ABC. “And voting me in as an All-Star starter for the 20th-consecutive time, just very humbled.”
“Very blessed to be able to do what I love to do and just try to give back, give back to the game that’s given me over two decades. So, to be able to know this is the first time ever in NBA history to have this many All-Star starts or whatever the case might be, it’s very cool.”
LeBron James is averaging 24.8 points, 7.2 rebounds and 7.4 assists on 52% shooting in 41 games in the 2023-24 campaign. The Lakers are at 23-23, fighting for a spot in the NBA playoffs.
Last season, the Lakers made it to the Western Conference Finals but got beaten by the eventual champions Denver Nuggets.
In Indiana, James will captain the Western Conference All-Stars alongside Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic, Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
LeBron James admits he surpassed expectations in NBA career
The Lakers’ superstar was elated to see his name among legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar who surpassed him and his untouchable record last season and became the top scorer in the history of the NBA.
According to James, he exceeded everything that he dreamt of as an player and that he felt blessed for what he achieved a long time ago and everything he accomplish from point comes as “extra credit”.
“’I’ve exceeded anything that I ever dreamed about being in the NBA. And I did that a long time ago. Everything else is just kind of extra credit. I’m very humbled by still being able to play the game I love and have these accomplishments along the way.”
As long as, LeBron James continues to defy father time, the Lakers’ superstar could be able to set his own untouchable records until the end of his decorated NBA career.
LeBron passes Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the most ASG appearances (20) in NBA history 👑 🔥 pic.twitter.com/6vH4hFPrHT
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 26, 2024
