![]() In terms of the regular season, LeBron hadn’t done this since Nov. Before that, he hadn’t scored 40+ points in B2B games since the 2009 Eastern Conference Finals against Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic. The two straight 40+ point games against the Hornets and Hawks serve as the first time he’s notched those totals in back-to-back games since Games 5 and 6 of the infamous 2016 NBA Finals that he and the Cleveland Cavaliers won. These last two games of his aren’t just historic for a man of his age (more on that later though), they’re nearly unparalleled for himself! Given how well he’s played as of late, I decided to find some statistics that show just how impressive this current run of his is, even while putting his climbing age to the side. 8.2 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game through 29 games played this season. That recent, torrid play has resulted in LeBron averaging 29.0 points. He’s been doing this since even before Davis left the Dec. However, these last two offensive eruptions from LeBron are no outliers. The numbers are enough to do that to you on their own, but plays like the one below also serve as micro-reminders that what we are watching is unprecedented for someone who just recently turned 38 years old. We’ve officially entered “How old is this guy again?” territory as LeBron is finding ways to stupify us each and every night while he shoulders an unfair load in Anthony Davis’s absence. The most recent of which was Monday’s 121-115 win in Charlotte against the Hornets where LeBron scored 43 points while adding 11 rebounds and six assists. The Los Angeles Lakers are now 16-21 on the season, coming off of two straight wins that were spearheaded by two 40+ point games from the one, the only, The King LeBron James. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. was struggling.CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – JANUARY 02: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers dunks during the second half of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on Januin Charlotte, North Carolina. ![]() This also wouldn't be the first time Dallas was interested in acquiring LeBron, as Haynes reports the team was preparing a trade offer to get him last season when L.A. If they managed to land James that would certainly fix that issue. While Irving and Doncic put up their usual numbers, it was obvious that the roster needed a major overhaul in talent. After making it to the Western Conference finals a season ago, the Mavericks completely fell apart following their trade to acquire Irving. ![]() While it would be hard to make happen, if Dallas miraculously figured out how to make that work, it would certainly help this team make it back to the postseason after a disappointing year in which they missed the playoffs. The Mavericks would have to unload a lot in order to take on James' estimated $46.9 million salary for next season, so it would be an incredibly difficult move to pull off. So if Irving did want to play with James in Dallas it would have to happen via trade, something that Irving reportedly wants the Mavericks to explore in order to form a Big Three with him and Luka Doncic, per Bleacher Report's Chris Haynes. LeBron is under contract with the Lakers for the upcoming 2023-24 season, and will have a player option he can opt out of next summer. When Irving requested a trade from the Brooklyn Nets earlier this season, the Lakers were reportedly looking to acquire the All-Star guard, but the Mavericks swooped in with a better offer. Irving and James won a championship together in 2016 with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and despite an unceremonious breakup, which resulted in Irving requesting a trade to the Boston Celtics, there have been reports of their interest in playing together again. However, from the sounds of that rumor it appears as though Irving wants the best of both worlds by remaining in Dallas and playing with his former teammate and friend in LeBron. Irving is an unrestricted free agent this summer, and he's been linked to the Los Angeles Lakers as well as re-signing with the Mavericks. Rumors are just rumors, but this is a significant one, and if it did happen it would cause waves around the league. According to Shams Charania, Kyrie Irving has reached out to LeBron James to gauge his interest in potentially playing for the Dallas Mavericks. ![]() As is the case with every NBA free agency period, rumors and reports about specific players and teams will begin to come in at a rapid pace, and though we're still a couple weeks from it picking up steam, we're already out to a hot start with this latest rumor. Though the NBA Finals is the main focus around the league right now, that doesn't stop the rumor mill from churning with free agency set to begin on June 30. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |