A dime from Lebron James to teammate Thomas Bryant was the “icing on the cake” for him to surpass two all-time leaders in assists during Los Angeles Lakers’ road game against the New York Knicks on February 1.
Before Tuesday’s game, James needed eight assists to pass former Indiana Pacers guard Mark Jackson in the fifth spot on the all-time list. To surpass Phoenix Suns’ Steve Nash in fourth place, he has to get nine dimes.
He finished the game with 28 points, ten rebounds, and 11 assists for his very first triple-double of the season.
The 38-year-old superstar completed the feat in the fourth quarter of the game. He first orchestrated a corner three-point from Troy Brown Jr to pass Jackson. A no-look bounce pass to Bryant down the stretch was the final piece. James recorded his 10,336th assist via a Bryant poster slam and the lead, 95-90.
As for the third place, the Lakers superstar needs to dish out 910 more assists to beat Phoenix Suns’ leader, Chris Paul.
While all eyes are on James, his teammate, Russell Westbrook, recently made the assist leader’s list. He became the tenth all-time assist leader during their matchup against the Brooklyn Nets.
It was not just a double celebration, but a triple one as the Lakers defeated the Knicks 129-123 and improved their record of 24 wins and 28 losses.
Congrats to @KingJames of the @Lakers for moving to 4th all-time in career assists! pic.twitter.com/igBAjKMueW
— NBA (@NBA) February 1, 2023
Nothing but love
During the post-game interview, James was asked how he felt when he became the 4th all-time in career assists. Known for his ability to make plays, the King explained that his passes would be for nothing without his teammates.
“It is amazing. Because that’s just, you know, what I love to do and get my guys involved. I try to put the ball on time and on target with my guys throughout the course of my career.
“With another great group, it allows me to see the space, to see the floor, and be able to get it to ’em and try to get it to ’em with, you know, the right type of pass.
“But they have to make the shots, and they’ve done a great job of that, not only this season, but all over the course of my career, so it’s pretty cool,” he said.
Record after record
While Lebron James is on his quest to catch up with Paul’s assists, he is also on his way to becoming NBA’s all-time leader in scores.
One of the greatest passers ever.
Congrats to @KingJames on passing Steve Nash for the 4th-most assists in NBA history. pic.twitter.com/otUtJ7PeGZ
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 1, 2023
Prior to facing the Knicks, James only needed 117 points to surpass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. But because of his 28-point performance, he only needs 89 points to outdo Abdul-Jabbar’s scoring record of 38,387.
Furthermore, James’ recent performance makes him the first NBA player to record a triple-double in his 20th season.
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