Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James continues to add to his impressive resume, reaching a feat not accomplished in over 40 years during Saturday’s Game 3 win over the Golden State Warriors.
In the victory, James surpassed fellow Lakers great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for fifth all-time in postseason rebounds. With his passing of Abdul-Jabbar, James became the first player since Wilt Chamberlain in 1975 to rank among the top five in all-time playoff points, rebounds and assists.
With 7,830 career playoff points, James easily has the all-time lead in that category. James ranks second in assists (1,965), trailing another Lakers legend, Magic Johnson. And only Hall of Famers Shaquille O’Neal (2,508), Tim Duncan (2,859), Chamberlain (3,913) and Bill Russell (4,104) have more postseason rebounds than James.
James long ago cemented his legacy as one of the game’s greats, but he is still playing at a level rarely, if ever, seen in the NBA by a 38-year-old. His most recent accomplishment is just another notch on a very crowded belt for James.
At the back end of his legendary career, though, James seems more motivated by rings than individual accomplishments.
The Lakers’ superstar is a huge reason L.A. owns a 2-1 series advantage against the defending champs.
After failing to attempt a field goal in the first quarter for the first time in his career — playoffs or otherwise — to open Game 3, James took control of the contest, finishing with 21 points, eight rebounds and eight assists in a 127-97 Lakers win. Heading into Monday’s pivotal Game 4, James is averaging 22 points, nine boards and five assists against the Warriors.
