Unless you lived under a rock in recent memory, you couldn’t have missed LeBron James’ outstanding showing in two of the Los Angeles Lakers’ three most recent matches. Last week, he put up an eye-popping 44 (on 13-of-19 shooting) and finished an assist shy of a triple-double in an emphatic victory against the conference-leading Trailblazers. The other day, he crossed the half-century mark en route to his first triumph against the Heat since he left them in 2014. Both were fine examples of his transcendent play, and, certainly, proof that, even at 34, he remains capable of posting significant numbers.
Indeed, James continues to have an eye towards history. His barrage of points versus the Blazers enabled him to move past fellow all-time great Wilt Chamberlain for fifth on the National Basketball Association’s career scoring list. Meanwhile, he schooled the host Heat at the American Airlines Arena with an array of shots that likewise highlighted the extent of his offensive prowess. In both, he underscored his capacity to make short work of the opposition. Rim-rattling dunks? Of course. Turnaround fadeaways from the block? Check. Long — make that extra-long — three pointers? Yup. Seemingly nonchalant jumpers were mixed in with purposeful drives, with his court vision serving to keep defenses honest, and, therefore, bending to his favor.
Needless to say, the Lakers have benefited from James’ otherworldly exertions. The season is still young, but it has already given fans a glimpse of the purple and gold on the rise. They’re currently seventh in the highly competitive West, just two games out of the top, and, despite an injury to veteran point guard Rajon Rondo, brimming with a measure of confidence that belies their relative youth. And why shouldn’t they be? They have the league’s best player on their side. His unparalleled combination of power, finesse, and instinct intrinsically lift their games.
For all the capacity of James to generate oohs and aahs with his otherworldly production, however, Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra — for whom he played in claiming two championships — could not have been more right in noting that consistency is his biggest asset. Regardless of circumstance, he can be counted on to contribute along his norms. Needless to say, the reliability stems as much from innate talent as from work ethic. Away from the klieg lights, he puts in the hours to hone his craft and keep his body in shape.
How long James can stay sharp is anybody’s guess. Time always wins, even against the most ardent practitioners of the sport. If nothing else, though, he has put himself in prime position to last longer than imagined. He’s signed on for four years, which means he believes he can contribute meaningful minutes for the Lakers until he’s close to the big four oh. And, given the way he’s playing, who’s to say he isn’t right?
Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994.
