Dave McMenamin
ESPN Staff Writer
4 Minute Read
LOS ANGELES — Prior to scoring a season-high 37 points, including the decisive free throw in the last 1.9 seconds, to secure a 105-104 victory over the Houston Rockets on Sunday, LeBron James had a message to convey.
Having a rare night off from the game, the 38-year-old took to Instagram to share a graphic highlighting his 35-point performance against the Portland Trail Blazers. The post was accompanied by a caption that referenced the skepticism surrounding his move from Cleveland to Los Angeles to pursue a career in filmmaking.
“But I just came here to make movies though!” James wrote, mocking the doubts about his motives for joining the Lakers. “Ain’t that what ya’ll said right!?!?”
So why did he choose that moment to respond to critics?
“Because sometimes you need to remind folks,” James explained after the win over the Rockets.
He further reminded everyone of his prowess on the court as he soared for a massive dunk in the fourth quarter, boosting L.A.’s lead and prompting a timeout from Houston.
James then emphasized his commitment to his teammates and his ability to find the open man in clutch situations. He also hinted at his resilience in the face of those who have attempted to provoke him, fueling his competitive spirit and determination to continue playing at the highest level.
As James endeavored to keep pushing his limits and defying age, he reflected on his exceptional career accomplishments, which include surpassing Lakers legend Kobe Bryant on another historic milestone. He has maintained extraordinary efficiency on the court, exceeding his previous best seasons while also enjoying a renewed spirit and joy for the game.
James, who scored 109 games with 30 or more points as a Laker, emphasized his reinvigorated athleticism and impressive shooting percentages this season, indicating that he has regained his physical and mental edge to maintain his remarkable performance.
“I got my bounce back, my spring back, my quick twitch back and things of that nature,” James revealed, highlighting his renewed physicality and agility that has propelled him to outplay his previous seasons.
Arguably, it’s not just his physical abilities that have been rejuvenated, but also his spirit and energy, which have been quite evident this season, inspiring his Lakers teammates and delighting fans with his unwavering passion for the game.
It’s clear that for James, defying age and expectations is just another challenge to conquer as he continues to elevate his game and rewrite the record books with each impressive performance.
