After spending much of the early NBA season barely above .500, the Los Angeles Lakers entered Tuesday night’s matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans with a 38-21 record and second place in the Western Conference.
It’s the first time they’ve been that high in the standings since March 2021.
Their momentum started to shift in late January, and by February, they hit their stride with a 10-2 record. A big reason for that surge? LeBron James, who delivered a dominant month, averaging 29.3 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game while shooting 55% from the field and 44.3% from three.
On Tuesday, the NBA announced James as the Western Conference Player of the Month.
Following the announcement, the Lakers took to social media, emphasizing their excitement in bold letters.
“WESTERN. CONFERENCE. PLAYER. OF. THE. MONTH,” they wrote.
The 40-year-old continues to prove he can perform at an elite level. Earlier this season, James earned his record-setting 21st NBA All-Star selection, the most in history. Also, since the team acquired Luka Doncic via trade, he’s posted notable point totals of 26, 40, 25, 27, 33, and 28.
James aims to keep his hot streak going as the Lakers enter the latter stages of the season. With four NBA championships already to his name, he’s looking to claim his fifth by June.
LeBron James reaching the historic 50,000-point milestone would cement his status as one of the greatest players in NBA history. As the league’s all-time leading scorer, surpassing this unheard-of mark would further separate him from every other player to ever step on the court. His ability to dominate the game for two decades, evolving his playstyle while maintaining elite production, is a testament to his work ethic, longevity, and basketball IQ. From explosive drives to silky jump shots and pinpoint passing, James has consistently been an offensive powerhouse, breaking records that once seemed untouchable.
If LeBron were to hit 50,000 points, it would be a moment celebrated across the basketball world, solidifying his place in history alongside legends like Michael Jordan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. More than just a scorer, James has redefined what it means to be a superstar, impacting the game in every possible way. This milestone wouldn’t just highlight his individual greatness but also his ability to sustain excellence over an era of ever-changing competition. Whether or not he continues to chase championships, reaching 50,000 points would be a legacy-defining achievement that may never be matched.
