The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Houston Rockets 124-116 in a crucial game behind 30 points from LeBron James. Head coach JJ Redick said what the 41-year-old is doing makes him “feel like a loser”, and everyone around the King’s age feels the same. LeBron is still elite, and the Lakers have won seven straight, including a couple that clinched playoff seeding tiebreakers.
It wasn’t just the 30 points from King James in Houston. He made 13 of his 14 field goal attempts, including multiple thunderous dunks. 41-year-olds shouldn't be able to get up like that. Fans saw Luka lay the ball in on a fast break because he didn’t want to jump. Seeing LeBron do it regularly is a marvel.
Coach Redick is 41 years old and noted that he is sore for multiple days if he tries to dunk. LeBron's continued success in the NBA at that age is remarkable. To still be elite and doing what he’s doing is unheard of. All of it is just a feather in James’ GOAT case as he makes fans shake their heads.
Kobe-era Lakers’ fans are with JJ Redick on this one about LeBron James
After Wednesday’s win, Redick shared a theory with the media that resulted in him saying LeBron actually makes him feel inferior. Fans can read the full quote below.
“There’s a four-burner theory. When you’re trying to achieve something, there are four burners on a stove. Those four burners are work, health, family, and friends. It’s hard to have all four burners going. For me, in season, it is work and family. Those are the only two that I have going. Unfortunately, I don’t really get to see friends outside the people I work with and my family. So my health sucks, and the last five years, I haven’t done a lot to do that. And, I’ll admit that. Watching him, it actually probably makes me feel like a loser.”
Redick noted that it is LeBron’s insane preparation that allows him to play at this level at 41 years old. James is always working on his body, and it shows.
LeBron had this to say about his head coach after hearing Redick’s remarks.
“Nah, nah. If he’s a loser, we are all in deep s***.”
Kobe Bryant fans can’t believe LeBron is still doing it at this level. All the purple and gold supporters over 40 are wondering how. James is embracing a new role and helping the Lakers thrive in his 23rd NBA season. Redick wasn’t wrong. It can make you feel bad, but LeBron should be inspiring everyone. If King James can be an elite NBA player, we can all strive to be better.
Lakers fans who are too young to remember Kobe Bryant dominating won’t quite be hit as hard by Redick’s quote. Those of us reaching middle age certainly feel the bumps and bruises more. So does LeBron, but he’s fantastic at hiding it.
JJ Redick is not a loser. He has the Los Angeles Lakers looking like a serious title contender and convinced LeBron James to buy into a lesser role. That alone deserves plenty of flowers. Nobody expected the purple and gold to be here, but they are. Credit to coach Redick for piloting the ship. The Lakers are certainly not losers, and the best is still yet to come.