James scored 30 points on 13-of-20 shooting, reaching the mark with an 18-foot jumper reminiscent of Jordan deep into the fourth quarter to record his 563rd 30-point game, passing the record the Chicago Bulls star set in 2003.
“It’s very humbling,” James said afterward, per NBA.com. “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, when you mention MJ, it’s just super-duper dope for me, being a kid from where I’m from.”
James led the way for the Lakers, who produced a relatively balanced offensive performance with Anthony Davis adding 18 points, 19 rebounds, three steals, and three blocks and Austin Reaves adding 20 points, seven rebounds, and six assists.
Despite his teammates’ contributions, the night truly belonged to the four-time league MVP who reached the mark in his 22nd season and 1,523rd career regular-season game. Jordan had set his record in his 1,072nd game and 15th season, and Davis took the opportunity to lightly rib his teammate for taking seven more seasons to better it.
“A hell of an accomplishment,” he then continued telling reporters. “I think he’s probably No. 1 in everything at this point. I’ve been here long enough to witness so many accomplishments, so I’m grateful to be here, and we just want to keep stacking.”
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