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LeBron James makes NBA playoff history every time he steps onto the court.
Not only is James the all-time leading scorer in the playoffs with 7,132 points and counting, but he also appeared in more games and played more minutes in the postseason than anyone in history. Now, James can also say that he has won more games than anyone in history.
On Tuesday, the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Houston Rockets 112-102 in Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals. That victory was the 162nd career playoff victory of James’ career, putting him ahead of Derek Fisher at number one on the list of all-time singles playoff victories. Fisher claimed his 161st victory when he was 39 years old. James got his at the age of 35.
After Tuesday’s game, James talked about what his latest accolade means to him and to whom he attributes his long and successful playoff career.
“I haven’t had a moment to really think about it,” James said. “I’m already preparing for Game 4. But when I listen to it, just to know the history of the game, since I was a kid watching the NBA playoffs, seeing so many dominant players, so many dominant franchises, seeing that he was victorious during many series. , and knowing that I feel on top of most victories for any individual is very humbling, and something I never dreamed of.
“I never came into the league as a kid saying I wanted to be number one in playoff victories. I’ve always said that I wanted to be part of a winning culture and a winning player, and to be part of the reason why my teammates win, but it doesn’t happen without my teammates over the years, my coaching staff, everyone in the team. from top to bottom. GM, owners, training staff, ball boys, everyone. Everyone participates in that because we are all part of the success process. In Cleveland, Miami and the Lakers, I have been part of three great organizations and that has allowed me to be part of something that is historic.
As Lakers fans, it could be easy to take generational talents like James for granted given the number of generational talents who have worn purple and gold over the years, from Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to Kobe Bryant. However, it’s important that we don’t, and that also goes for people who aren’t Lakers fans.
The things that James is doing in his 17th season are unprecedented and as basketball fans we are all lucky enough to be alive to witness the history he is making. If the stars align, maybe James’ 17th season will end with another championship, but if he doesn’t, it shouldn’t take away what he’s been able to accomplish. It’s amazing and Tuesday was just another example.
Long live the king.
For more Lakers talk, subscribe to the Silver Screen and Roll podcast at iTunes, Spotify, Stapler or Google Podcasts. You can follow this author on Twitter at @RadRivas.
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