LeBron James etched his name into NBA history once again, surpassing Michael Jordan for the most 30-point games in league history during the Los Angeles Lakers’ 119-102 victory over the Atlanta Hawks. The 40-year-old, already the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, tallied 30 points, achieving the milestone for the 563rd time and breaking Jordan’s record set in 2003.
In addition to this remarkable feat, James moved up to fourth on the all-time games played list with 1,523 appearances, surpassing Dirk Nowitzki. Only Robert Parish (1,611), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1,560), and Vince Carter (1,541) have played more games in the league.
“Very humbling,” James said post-game. “To be mentioned alongside MJ, who I idolized growing up, is surreal. I wear 23 because of him, and to now hold this record is super cool.”
The Lakers’ victory was bolstered by Anthony Davis, who returned from an ankle injury to contribute 18 points and 19 rebounds, while Austin Reaves added 20 points. The Lakers secured their seventh win in nine games, holding off a 33-point performance by Atlanta’s Trae Young. Despite an early lead from the Hawks, the Lakers gained control midway through the first quarter and never relinquished their advantage.
Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder equaled a franchise record with their 14th consecutive win, defeating the New York Knicks 117-107. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 33 points, aided by Jalen Williams’ 20 points. Aaron Wiggins was instrumental in the fourth quarter, scoring 15 of his 19 points as the Thunder rallied from an eight-point deficit. The victory snapped the Knicks’ nine-game winning streak.
Elsewhere, rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama shone as the San Antonio Spurs narrowly edged the Denver Nuggets 113-110. Wembanyama delivered an impressive stat line of 35 points, 18 rebounds, and four assists, along with a critical late-game steal to secure the win.
These games showcased the brilliance of both seasoned veterans like LeBron James and rising stars like Wembanyama, affirming the NBA’s dynamic evolution.
