Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick made a self-deprecating remark while praising LeBron James’ stamina and the flair he brings to the floor at 41. The four-time NBA champion was a key scorer in the recent Lakers-Rockets game, helping his team to a 124-116 win and extending the streak to seven games since March 5, when they fell to the Denver Nuggets.
Lakers Coach JJ Redick Praises LeBron James’ Continued Dominance
James, nicknamed King James, has proven that his legacy goes beyond trophies and personal achievements. He redefined the sport and has shown what greatness looks like. At 41, he continues to be an unstoppable force with the Lakers, and in his second game back after an injury hiatus, the all-time leading scorer posted 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists in his team’s win.
In the next game against Houston, James was clutch down the stretch, scoring 30 points, grabbing 5 rebounds, and adding 2 assists, trailing only Luka Dončić, who had 40 points.
The Lakers now stand third in the Western Conference, holding a 1.5-game lead over the Minnesota Timberwolves. The 41-year-old garnered cheers from the crowd when he aced a steal in the first quarter and earned a dunking opportunity with standout center Alperen Sengun chasing him.
READ MORE: LeBron James Stops to Sign Kid’s Shoe After Dad Tells Him to Say Please
In the second quarter, he gave his team a 13-point lead when he took a pass from Jake LaRavia and threw down another dunk. His outing was such a treat that it prompted Redick to admit that he feels unfit when he sees King James in action.
“Watching him, it actually probably makes me feel like a loser. And every time he falls on the ground, every time he, you know, has a box out, every time he gets hit hard in transition, I feel it too. I feel it too because I’m just so out of shape right now. It’s remarkable,” he said in a postgame conference.
He added, “And again, this is what I was, you know, talking about with him is just the preparation that he puts in, uh, to his body, uh, over and over and over again. And that to me is like the ultimate sign of competitive stamina, just holds onto it every single day, and he gets ready to ring the bell.”
As James enjoys his 23rd season in the NBA, his only milestone still ahead is becoming a team owner, following in the footsteps of the great Michael Jordan. However, he recently addressed the ownership rumors, stating that he has no immediate plans to pursue team ownership, as Fenway Sports Group backed out of an expansion franchise.
Luminaries like Kevin Durant of the Houston Rockets believe that James can continue playing for four to five years, and it won’t be a surprise if it happens. But with injuries mounting and considering his age, he may be around for another year or so.
