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Basketball

LeBron James Makes History as Lakers Defeat Portland Trail Blazers

LeBron James played his first professional basketball game as a 37-year-old against the Portland Trail Blazers, and it was one for the books! He ended 2021 on a high note and led the Lakers to another victory after scoring a season-high 43 points on Friday night. New Year’s Eve was historic for James, as he became the oldest player in NBA history to finish a game with at least 40 points and 14 rebounds. This isn’t the only milestone that makes his performance against Portland impressive – it’s also the first time since 2013 that he finished seven straight games with at least 30 points. James’ latest milestone comes to show that he’s still on top of his game after 19 years in the NBA. He admitted that he doesn’t feel it’s been that long despite the fact he’s constantly being reminded of it. "Sometimes you do have to remind people that you can still do what you do at a high level, and I've just been blessed, very blessed, and continue to put the work in… It boils down to putting the work in, and everything else will take care of itself,” James told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin after the game. The Lakers rolled to a 139-106 victory over the Blazers on New Year’s Eve, and their next game will see them face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday.