By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The Los Angeles Lakers lost to the Phoenix Suns but LeBron James made history in the latest edition of NBA Sundays. He became the only player in five digits from points and rebounds to assists through NBA history.
“To now sit alone at a statistical category in this league that I’ve really modeled my game after: being able to score, rebound and assist,” he pointed out.
James, 37, is among the seven players over the 30,000-point mark, the 42 players over 10,000 rebounds, and now the seventh player with 10,000 assists. But the only player combining all three. Carmelo Anthony sinking a three-pointer early in the second quarter made good on his pass turning into the 10,000th assist of his career.
“I get lost for words anytime things like this are happening to me because of where I come from,” added LeBron, “I automatically start thinking to my hometown of Akron and my upbringing and where I come from and the dreams that I had of being in this league and playing at the highest level.”
His 31 points, seven rebounds, and six assists were not enough for the Lakers in Phoenix. Down to 29-38, the Los Angeles team is only 2.5 games away from not even qualifying to the Play-In Round. The distance from the sixth seed of the Western Conference and last direct ticket to the Playoffs grew to 10.5 games.
“It’s an honor to be a part of this league and no matter what’s going on this season, you try to take the victories that happen throughout the course of a long marathon,” explained James, “And tonight is one that happened not only for myself but for my family and friends.”
Up next, back home to face the Toronto Raptors Monday night before a four-game road trip featuring matchups versus the Minnesota Timberwolves Wednesday, Raptors Friday, Washington Wizards Saturday, and Cleveland Cavaliers next Monday.
Photo Credit: Getty Images