LeBron James, the Los Angeles Lakers’ star forward, may have failed to make a field goal attempt in the first quarter of Game 3 against the Golden State Warriors, but he still managed to make history in his 275th playoff game. James surpassed NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar with his sixth rebound of the night against the Warriors, making him the fourth player in NBA history to be ranked in the top five for all-time playoff rebounds.
LeBron James (2,482 & counting) has just passed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (2,481) as the 5th all-time in Playoff rebounds 🔥 pic.twitter.com/4z9hsgXyne
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 7, 2023
James did not let his lack of scoring in the first quarter affect his game, instead focusing on securing boards and setting his teammates up for scoring opportunities. With his combination of mobility, size, and intelligence, James is expected to have a significant impact on the game, and that is precisely what he did.
The Lakers responded to a tough Game 2 loss by dominating the Warriors 127-97 at Crypto.com Arena on Saturday night. Anthony Davis put on a show, scoring 25 points, grabbing 13 rebounds, and blocking four shots, while D’Angelo Russell carried the Lakers early, scoring all 21 of his points in the first half. James finished with 21 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists, despite starting quietly.
Despite being a new milestone, it was not the first time in his career (regular season or playoffs) that James has gone without a field goal attempt in the first quarter of a game. However, the record-breaking rebound he made in Game 3 signifies his remarkable consistency and longevity in the league.
James now sits behind only Shaquille O’Neal, Tim Duncan, Bill Russell, and Wilt Chamberlain on the NBA’s all-time playoff rebounds list. This achievement is a testament to James’s impact on the court, both offensively and defensively, and his ability to make history while maintaining a high level of performance throughout his career.
With the Lakers taking a 2-1 lead in the Western Conference semifinals, James’s milestone is yet another example of his remarkable talent and his status as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Lakers fans can look forward to seeing James continue to make history in his playoff career as the team aims for a championship title.
The Legacy Carriers: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and LeBron James
The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the most successful franchises in the history of the NBA, and two players who have carried the team’s legacy are Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and LeBron James. These two superstars have left an indelible mark on the Lakers, both on and off the court.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, one of the greatest centers in NBA history, won five championships with the Lakers in the 1980s. His signature skyhook shot became one of the most iconic moves in basketball, and his dominance in the paint helped lead the Lakers to several titles.
LeBron James, a modern-day basketball icon, joined the Lakers in 2018 and has already made his mark on the team. He led the Lakers to their 17th championship in 2020, his fourth title in total. His leadership and ability to make his teammates better have been instrumental in the team’s recent success.
Both Abdul-Jabbar and James have carried the Lakers’ legacy with distinction, embodying the team’s winning tradition and commitment to excellence.
