LeBron James had not one, but two historic achievements in the Los Angeles Lakers' convincing 120-101 win over the Washington Wizards on Monday. James tied Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the most combined wins between regular season and playoff history. LeBron also broke his own record for being the oldest player to record a triple-double (something that will surely be toppled again).
JJ Redick was asked about whether he gets a proper opportunity to enjoy watching James out there. The Lakers coach was then brought up to speed by reporters in the room on both of the milestones for LeBron. Eventually, Redick found an imperfect way to summarize his thoughts on the matter.
"Yeah, I mean, I'll just say he's very praiseworthy. I don't know what else to say about him at this point. I've tried to give every version of the same soliloquy on his longevity, but I don't have anything for you tonight."
This surely will not be the last time Redick is asked about another notch to LeBron's G.O.A.T. resume. When that does happen again, reporters might want to be prepared for the same kind of struggle to give a concrete answer.
LeBron James continues to test the limits of Father Time
To Redick's point, it is truly difficult to constantly find new ways of reminding everyone just how great James has been and continues to be. It is why people are more concerned with where LeBron will play next at 41 years old, rather than how quickly he needs to be booted from the league.
Kevin Durant suggested earlier this month that James could play until his mid-40s. For anyone else, that would be a ludicrous thought. For LeBron, that sounds more realistic than it would for literally any other player who has suited up to play the sport of basketball.
While the Lakers will still want James stepping aside for more Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves (rightfully so), the break glass in case of emergency option is always there for them. They will not have to ever be solely dependent on the production of either one of those two stars.
James is far removed from the peak of his powers, everyone knows that. However, the Lakers star is more than capable of turning back the clock when the situation calls for it.
That was the case against the Wizards. In needing more from James, Redick and the Lakers were not disappointed in the slightest.