Lakers Defeat Blazers, James Makes History

Spectators at Staples Center saw history in the making last night, as LeBron James surpassed another Laker on the NBA All-Time scoring list. King James jumped over Wilt Chamberlain and became No.5.

“I don’t know how I feel right now,” James said. “I’m happy we were able to get another win. But any time my name is mentioned with some of the greats that have played this game, I always think back to my hometown, where I come from and how far I’ve come.”

He posted 44 points in Lakers win over the Portland Trail Blazers 126-117. James was one assist shy of reaching 75th triple-double in his career, as he had 10 rebounds and 9 dimes. One of the most dominant players of all times quickly set the pace and after the first half, he already had 28 points on his account.

That historic moment when he became the fifth overall scorer in the history of this league happened with 3:55 minutes until the end. He scored a mid-range jumper, and was fouled by Jake Layman for and one, which James used. At the end of the match, the total number of his points was 31,245.

LeBron spoke with kind words about Chamberlain, saying that he is one of the best players in the NBA history.

“One if the most dominant forces we ever had in our game, along with Shaq,” said James. “One of the greatest Lakers to ever play the game. One of the greatest scorers and rebounders ever. … Just dominant in all walks of life, not just his basketball career.”

Wilt Chamberlain played for the Lakers from 1968 to 1973, and won one championship in 1972, earning the NBA Finals MVP award back then. He was one of the most efficient players ever, and the only one who scored 100+ points in one match. Also, Chamberlain is the only player in the history of the league who averaged more than 40 and more than 50 points per game in a single season. Hall of Famer born in Philadelphia ended his career with 34,419 points.

Coach Luke Walton was thrilled to witness such a memorable situation.
“Well, it’s part of what makes working for the Lakers so amazing. You have this history here.” he said

One other situation, however, has worried the Lakers fans. Rajon Rondo broke his hand. The veteran point guard will miss the action in the next 3-5 weeks, and that is going to be a huge handicap for the team. Coach Walton explained how everything happened.

“He hit his hand on the floor when he went to steal that ball.”

As for the game, the Lakers won after being behind in the first sequence. The hosts made a final push in the second quarter when they took the lead and since then, controlled the match. It was their sixth triumph in the previous seven games and fourth in a row. To remind you, they opened the season with 2-5 and now, they have 8-6 with the form going up. At the moment they occupy place No.7 in the Western Conference, with excellent prospects to reach Top 4.

Portland is second with 10-4, but they couldn’t restrain James last night. Blazers’ coach Terry Stotts congratulated LeBron on his accomplishment, saying that he precisely knows in which moment his team lost this event.

“Those two threes he hit at the end of the first half really gave them a lot of momentum,” Stotts said. “I think they gave him a lot of confidence. You’ve got to pick your poison. Him going downhill and involving his teammates, that’s not necessarily a good alternative.”

 

The game in Los Angles was the third one between these two teams this season. They met on the opening night in Moda center, and the Blazers won that one 128-119. Sixteen days later, they faced once again in Oregon, only this time, the boys from Los Angeles took the win.

This was the first of six consecutive games Trail Blazers have in the upcoming nine days. They are heading for Minnesota, Washington, New York, Milwaukee and finally San Francisco.

The Lakers too, have some traveling to do. First to Florida, to Orlando and Miami, and after that, to Ohio, to play against LeBron’s former team, Cleveland. This is going to be a must-see game.