Los Angeles Lakers: JaVale McGee has career day nine years ago today

Los Angeles Lakers center, JaVale McGee, had one of the best games in his career nine years ago today.

With COVID-19 shutting down sports, and the world, in general, we won’t be seeing the Los Angeles Lakers back on the court for at least a month. With no games being played, it gives us a chance to look back at some games and performances that may have slipped through the cracks. One of those performances involves Lakers‘ center, JaVale McGee.

McGee has come a long way in his career. He was a Shaqtin’ a Fool regular, but has turned into a serviceable center as his career has gone on. He was part of two NBA Championship teams with the Golden State Warriors in 2018 and 2019.

Following that, McGee signed with the Lakers. After a tough first season in purple and gold, McGee was once again the starting center for a potential NBA Finals team. McGee has had two strong seasons with the Lakers, averaging 9.6 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks in 19.8 minutes per game. He has appeared in 136 games with the Lakers, starting 123 of them.

Teams are finally getting the most out of McGee after some rough patches early in his career. McGee has oozed with potential but was never able to put it together. One of the times he showcased that potential was nine years ago to the day.

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On March 15th, 2011, while playing with the Washington Wizards, McGee had a game to remember against the Chicago Bulls. While his Wizards lost the game 98-79, McGee had himself a game.

McGee blocked a career-high 12 shots in that game, including seven in the first half alone. That performance defensively helped McGee record his first, and thus far only, triple-double of his career.

Along with the 12 blocks, McGee scored 11 points with 12 rebounds, three of which were on the offensive glass.

The Wizards’ leading scorer in the game was Jordan Crawford, who scored 27 points while playing all 48 minutes of the game. John Wall was in his rookie season and nearly triple-doubled himself, scoring 17 points with 11 rebounds and seven assists.

For the Bulls, they had eventual MVP, Derrick Rose, leading the way. He scored 23 points with seven assists, four rebounds and two steals.

While this is a game that goes by the wayside, as the 16-50 Wizards were handled rather easily by the 48-18 Bulls, this is one that McGee will never forget. It is one of the best games of his career being the only triple-double he has yet to record and will likely record in his career.