The Jazz vs Lakers game on Tuesday served the purpose of LeBron James marking a one-of-a-kind milestone. He became the only player ever to score 39,000 points in the NBA. Now, the rest of the upcoming stars have a tough record to beat. And the fun fact is, LeBron doesn’t look like he is going to be stopping anytime soon. Beating James’ record seems like a very tough job for any active NBA player. What might have been even harder was for Skip Bayless to acknowledge that fact. But Bayless knows greatness when he sees it.
Notorious for his criticism of the King, Bayless has surprised a lot of people this season with his backhanded praise for the Lakers #23. But what did he say this time?
The achievement of LeBron James leaves Bayless floored
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Known for being the ‘Chosen One’s’ biggest critic, the famed sports journalist ‘undisputedly’ showers praises on James’ latest record. What has got the 71-year-old in awe is LeBron’s “durability” and “longevity”. Though not as high contact and dangerous as football, the Akron Hammer’s way of playing basketball has a football tinge to it. Taking up the case on Undisputed, he says, “This is so amazing. The pure longevity of avoiding career setback injury. I’ve never seen anybody this durable.”
.@RealSkipBayless reacts to LeBron becoming 1st player to reach the 39K point milestone:
“This is so amazing. The pure longevity of avoiding career setback injury. I’ve never seen anybody this durable.” pic.twitter.com/Tl3GjFQPS7
— UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) November 22, 2023
For Bayless to skip the usual pleasantries when it comes to Bron and practically just shower him with compliments left and right, is an unusual sight. It is true that he has acknowledged the 4x champion’s talents when he believes it requires them. But the 39k milestone, in Skip’s own words, has “eclipsed” everything else.
The main aspect of LeBron’s latest achievement is the case in point, the lack of “a career-threatening setback injury”. He’s had to grapple with minor infractions here and there. But James has never had surgery or missed out on seasons or games due to injuries.
In 21 seasons, LeBron’s never had ONE surgery. The pure longevity of this is amazing. I’ve never seen anybody this durable in a contact sport.
My full thoughts here:https://t.co/wfER3hQV5L
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) November 22, 2023
Why don’t we take a look at James’ top performances?
King James’ notable career highlights
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To pick up from a list of stunning career achievements is a tough task, but this just serves to show what makes LeBron James one of the greatest athletes ever. Aside from the obvious 39k mark and four-time champion, here is a list of his most noteworthy accomplishments:
Read More: Can LeBron James Cross the 40,000 Mark Before the End of the Season?
- He leads the league with the most All-NBA Team selections –19.
- The most games with 20+ points – 1189 games.
- Only NBA player to record 30,000 points, 10,000 rebounds, and 10,000 assists.
- The most all-time playoff points – 8,023 points.
- James also has the most career wins in the playoffs – 182.
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Watch This Story: How Michael Jordan Comparisons Hampered Multiple MVPs for LeBron James – Gilbert Arenas Explains
This is just a drop in the ocean that is LeBron James’ accolades. And with Skip Bayless finally appreciating the King’s greatness, has the GOAT conversation with Michael Jordan been put to rest once and for all?