ATLANTA — LeBron James began this trip 20 years ago, and there are times on the basketball floor when he still feels like a child.
Friday was one such evening.
On his 38th birthday, James scored a season-high 47 points in front of a sellout crowd at State Farm Arena, as the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Atlanta Hawks 130-121.
“I knew how to play the game at age 18,” he remarked. “I believed I belonged in the NBA, but I had no idea what I could accomplish at the age of 18.” But I knew that if I continued to work hard and push myself, I could become one of the greatest players in the history of this game.”
Four-time NBA Most Valuable Player and 18-time All-Star James concluded with 10 rebounds and nine assists. He scored 16 in the second, 13 in the third, and 16 in the fourth quarter. James was ranked seventh in the league with 27.8 points per game entering the contest.
The Hawks (17-19), losers of three consecutive games, blew a 15-point lead but recovered the lead with 10:50 remaining on a 3-pointer by Aaron Holiday. James made it 103-101 with a 3-pointer from the right wing, and Los Angeles never trailed again.
James’s mother Gloria and wife Savannah were courtside for his birthday celebration.
He stated, “They’ve been with me since before this 20-year crusade began.” “They are the foundation of everything I do. To have them sitting courtside today and being a part of this journey, being here for my birthday and the holidays, is very fantastic.”
James’ three-point play gave the Lakers a 120-113 lead with 2:18 remaining despite the fact that they had lost nine of their previous thirteen games. As he drew John Collins’ sixth foul and dropped to the floor after making a baseline layup, the majority of the crowd rose to its feet and roared. He made the free throw and, on the ensuing possession, drove the crowd to its feet again with a baseline reverse layup.
James made two free throws to extend his team’s lead to 130-121 as the crowd chanted “MVP! MVP!”
“No matter what uniform I’ve worn, Atlanta has always been nice and welcoming to me and my teammates,” James added. They have always admired the game
Thomas Bryant scored 19 points and pulled down a season-high 17 rebounds, while Russell Westbrook scored 14 points and dished out 11 assists.
The Hawks were led by Trae Young’s 29 points and Dejounte Murray’s 20. Young stated that James’ defense altered the game.
Young remarked, “LeBron spent the most of his time in the backfield directing his teammates.” “He was at the back of the paint, hanging off our 5s and 4s, forcing us to make 3s and jump shots in competition. Initially, it was working, but as the game progressed, it turned against us. That’s what occurred.
James’ fast-break layup late in the third quarter gave Los Angeles the lead, 82-81, after they trailed by 15 points in the second quarter. James’ three-point play gave the Lakers a lead of 87-83 after capping a 17-4 run for the Lakers.
“He was locked in,” said Westbrook. As we all know, he is capable of performing at an elite level for an extended period of time. It’s a pleasure to witness.”
James conducted a television interview and signed his jersey for the rapper 2 Chainz before receiving another standing ovation as he left the court.
James, a four-time NBA champion, stated, “For me, it’s all about preparing the mind and working hard every day.” “There are so many tales and rollercoasters that you must negotiate in order to see how fantastic I can be on a daily basis and certainly during all these seasons.
“Through the difficulties, the good moments, and the bad times, I try to maintain as much composure and mental acuity as possible over an entire season.”
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