LeBron James maintained his dominance on his favorite NBA floor, the world’s most iconic arena — Madison Square Garden — as he led the Los Angeles Lakers to a 113-105 victory on Saturday, February 4, snapping the New York Knicks’ 9-game winning streak.
James finished with 24 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists, improving his Garden record to 23-9. It was a credit to James’ unwavering devotion to perfection that he became the NBA’s face for more than two decades.
Following the Lakers’ historic victory, James’ postgame words on his encouragement to aspiring kids who aspire to be great players like him went viral.
“Learn the history of the game,” the 39-year-old James instructed reporters. “Respect those who came before you. It’s acceptable if they treat you disrespectfully. It’s completely fine. Know who paved the road.
Understand what a professional is all about. Be a professional. Show up to work, be prepared to work; if you arrive on time, you are late. Put in the work. The gaming gods reward you for your efforts. Come to the gym. One among the first ones to the gym. You are one among the last to depart. If you want to be great and be remembered in this league, just pour your heart and soul into the game.”
LEBRON JAMES’S WARNING
James, whose image stayed spotless and free of scandals and off-the-court issues, advised the next generation of players to stay focused and avoid the traps of the materialistic world, which became more apparent with the advancement of technology and social media.
“The vehicles and the jewels and everything of the foolish s**t,” James remarked, “don’t matter; they signify absolutely nothing. I see a lot of these students become so obsessed on material things that they lose their focus.
Just worry about the game.
“When you are concerned about the game, everything takes care of itself.” Worry about the game, then about your family, and finally about the game again. Be selfish, too. It’s good to be selfish because being great requires a certain level of selfishness. Some people must occasionally fall by the wayside.”
LAKERS SUPPORTING CAST MAINTAIN MOMENTUM
The Lakers’ fans maintained the enthusiasm from their huge shock of the Boston Celtics sans James and Anthony Davis two nights before.
With James and Davis back in the lineup, four other Lakers scored in double figures.
James told reporters, “The opportunity to go out and contribute did that.”
Austin Reaves and Taurean Prince delivered, particularly in the critical fourth quarter, when they combined for 23 of the Lakers’ 33 points.
Reaves totaled 22 points, 7 assists, and 6 assists. Prince scored 16 points off the bench as Darvin Ham changed his starting lineup, adding Rui Hachimura for a bigger frontcourt.
Davis led the Laker defense with 18 rebounds and four blocks, in addition to 12 points and four assists.
D’Angelo Russell finished with 16 points, while Jaxson Hayes scored 10 points for the second time in a row.
