LeBron James Reflects on Record-Breaking Streak Amidst Setbacks
After a prolonged absence due to lower back sciatica, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has made a triumphant return to the podcast scene, co-hosting an episode of “Mind the Game” alongside Hall of Famer Steve Nash. This marks a significant moment for James, who has resumed playing after being sidelined for the first time in his 23-season NBA career.
“I started off slowly but surely, but I’m starting to pick up, and my body is responding very well,” James shared with Nash. His excitement about being back on the court is palpable, as he added, “I’m having a good time.”
A Historic Streak Comes to an End
Despite his return to form, James recently opened up about a bittersweet moment this season: the end of his remarkable streak of scoring in double figures for 1,297 consecutive regular-season games. This phenomenal run, which lasted nearly two decades, concluded on December 4 when he opted to assist teammate Rui Hachimura for a game-winning shot instead of taking the shot himself.
Reflecting on that night, James recounted, “I had a three on the right wing that would have put me up to 11 points that literally hit all the rim, hit the backboard, came back around the rim again and then came out.” This missed opportunity marked the end of an era for the five-time NBA champion. “So, I was like, ‘okay, it’s one of those nights,'” he noted. His commitment to winning remains paramount, as he emphasized, “the mindset has always stood to keep the main thing the main thing, and that’s just winning the game.”
Nash Praises Longevity and Consistency
In this insightful conversation, Nash took a moment to commend James for his remarkable durability throughout his career. “The most, I think, improbable part is that you didn’t get hurt in a game before you got 10 points,” Nash remarked. He highlighted the rarity of James maintaining a baseline of scoring, stating, “Even on a really weird, wacky, off night, it’s also the fact that in all those games, you never had to leave the game before you had 10 points.”
Current Struggles Amidst Achievements
Since the end of his historic streak, James has managed to score in double digits for six consecutive games, but the Lakers find themselves in a bit of a slump, having lost their last two outings. With a record of 19-9, the Lakers are set to face the 17-9 Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena on Christmas Day at 5 p.m. PST.
As James continues to navigate the ups and downs of the season, his profound legacy in the league remains intact. The record-breaking streak may have ended, but his competitive spirit and dedication to the game are as strong as ever.
