No one has had as many eyes on their career with many hoping they’d fail as Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James. And yet, in his 23rd season, one of the game’s greats is shutting down his detractors.
Following Tuesday’s 141-116 win over the Atlanta Hawks, James’ first time playing in both games of a back-to-back this season, Lakers coach JJ Redick praised his work ethic and called out the many who refuse to appreciate it.
“His competitive stamina is off the charts,” Redick said. “It's actually unfortunate how much this guy puts into it and how much he cares and the way certain people talk about him. It's crazy. Come be around him every day and see how much this guy cares. It's off the charts.”
James finished with 31 points, nine rebounds and 10 assists in Los Angeles’ best response to a loss of the season, and he had words as well.
MORE: Lakers' JJ Redick defends LeBron James with fiery postgame comment after masterclass performance
LeBron’s message to fans and haters
“I just hope that once I’m done that I made an impact for the people that follow my career and watch me,” James said. “My fans that’s been locked down with me for over 23 years, since I started this journey as a high school freshman.
“That’s all that matters, is, you know, my crew that’s been with me, and everything else doesn’t matter.
James is averaging 22.4 points, 5.7 rebounds and 6.9 assists in 21 games this season. Since turning 41 on Dec. 30, he’s posting 26.1 points, 7.1 rebounds and 7.3 assists.
No one has ever had sustained success like James is having at his age.
More Lakers news:
- LeBron James breaks down intense back-to-back recovery process
- The Los Angeles Lakers are undefeated when this one player hits a quiet benchmark
- Inside the pregame meeting that led to Lakers’ best response of the season
- LeBron James addresses Rich Paul’s controversial podcast comments on Austin Reaves