Whatever LeBron James is using to fire his relentless pursuit of perfection, it is not money.
The Los Angeles Lakers phenom dropped 40 points to inspire a 110-102 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday.
GettyKing James is not ready to abdicate the throne[/caption]
It was the second game of a back-to-back and King James was only confirmed as being fit enough to play in the afternoon after struggling with injury.
Head coach JJ Redick couldn’t hide his disbelief after the 40-year-old with an estimated net worth of $1.2 billion inspired his team to 32-21 on the season.
“He really just defies anything that’s normal and not just the physical feats and the plays, it’s the mentality,” Redick said.
“He is — I believe I saw the other day he’s a billionaire — and he’s playing on the second night of a back-to-back at 40 after 22 years with every record and every accolade.
“And the kids will say that I’m glazing him. He’s one of the greatest competitors. [Assistant coach] Nate [McMillan] and I were talking before the game, he’s amazing to coach, he brings it every single day, he sets the standard for how you’re supposed to approach this craft.
“That’s to me the most incredible thing — the mindset to do it, get up the next day, do it, over and over again.”
Fans took to social media to celebrate LeBron’s greatness.
“Bron really hoopin’ like he broke Dude just built different, no days off,” wrote one on X.
“Dedication like this is what makes legends,” added another.
“The game is what made him a billionaire, directly and indirectly. That’s his passion. Passion leads to success. King LeBron James,” posted a third.
GettyRedick is in awe of the veteran’s dedication[/caption]
GettyLeBron is looking for a fifth NBA Championship[/caption]
But some viewers questioned why James didn’t suit up for the All-Star game on Sunday after pulling out an hour before tip-off to frustrate fans and former pros.
“Couldn’t take the time to play in the all-star game of the league that provided him with half of his billion though. Sad,” one noted.
Another asked: “Didn’t he just sit out the one weekend dedicated to the fans who in large part are responsible for the money generated to pay his salary?”
Before this season, Michael Jordan was the only man to score 40 points past the age of 40.
The all-time great racked up 43 as the Washington Wizards beat the New Jersey Nets 89-86 in 2003.
LeBron matched his feat by dropping 42 on the Golden State Warriors in February.
His latest demolition sees him move out ahead as he tries to add more weight to his argument in the GOAT debate.
King James passed Vince Carter to go third all-time in NBA starts on 1,542. He is just 18 behind fellow Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and can reel him in this season if he stays healthy.
Robert Parish has played 69 more games than LeBron and that record could tumble next season.
LeBron almost revealed the secret to his longevity after the game but left reporters with a cryptic comment instead.
“When I did sleep, I slept a lot. I think I fell asleep probably about like four,” he said. “Slept all the way until about noon. Woke up got some rehab and treatment… Then I slept till about 4:30… I have some methods on how I’m able to go to sleep… That’s not for everybody.”
The first rule of being a showman, always leave them wanting more.
