(Photo : Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images)
Erik Spoelstra has nothing but admiration for LeBron James' performance in his 20th NBA season.
LeBron James turns 38 this week, yet he's still performing at a superstar level. Coach Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat was impressed by the Lakers' superstar's ability to compete at a high level in a sport often dominated by younger players.
The two met on Wednesday in a matchup at the FTX Arena in Miami, where the Lakers lost 98-112, as they got plagued with more than 20 turnovers.
Spoelstra: LeBron Still Got It
Add this to the list of clutch Tyler shots 🪄 pic.twitter.com/4VkocMqCBG
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) December 29, 2022
The current Miami Heat head coach, Erik Spoelstra, has a great deal of experience working with LeBron James, having coached him from 2010 to 2014. With LeBron, Chris Bosh, and Dwayne Wade on the roster, the Heat were able to win back-to-back titles in 2012 and 2013, and go to the Finals four times in a row.
Before the matchup between the Heat and the Lakers, Erik Spoelstra said he is in awe of "King James" performance in his 20th season in the NBA, according to Fan Nation. LeBron James is averaging 27.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 6.6 assists this NBA season.
The Heat head coach said that James reminds him of American football quarterback Tom Brady, another veteran athlete who has maintained his level of play in his mid-40s.
Erik Spoelstra commented on LeBron James: "It's crazy. He's redefining what's possible with human performance. The way he looks, it looks like he's the Tom Brady of the NBA, and he could just keep on going."
The 52-year-old Heat head coach added that LeBron's athletic ability is still there. But if he simply had to use his mind, he could keep playing well into his 50s and make a difference, according to a story from Heat Nation.
Basketball is art. pic.twitter.com/qvhft98Ah3
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) December 29, 2022
LeBron James has eight more years before he reaches the level of performance that Brady, who is 45, has reached in terms of age.
Tom Brady's NFL stats are down since he came out of his brief retirement, but his leadership and intelligence are unparalleled, and he has guided the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to the top of the South Division as the regular season enters its final week.
LeBron James, in contrast, is having a career year statistically. In the Lakers' past three games prior to the matchup against the Miami Heat, he has averaged 34.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, eight assists, and 58 percent shooting from the field.
LeBrom James' Performance
However, despite LeBron James' impressive output every game, the LA Lakers are just 14-21 and sit in the 13th spot in the West despite his performance. Last season, the Lakers failed to make it to the playoffs, per Basketball Forever.
James signed a two-year, $97.1 million contract agreement three months ago that would keep the second-leading scorer in NBA history in the team until the 2024-25 season, well beyond his 40th birthday.
The Los Angeles Lakers snapped a four-game losing streak with a 129-110 win against the Orlando Magic on Tuesday night, led by LeBron James's 28 points and a triple-double from Russell Westbrook.
James played for 31 minutes and added seven boards and five assists. In his previous seven games, the four-time NBA MVP averaged 30 points per contest.
The Lakers' 54.4% field goal percentage was aided by Thomas Bryant's 21 points and 10 rebounds. In a bench position, Westbrook contributed with 15 points, 13 assists, and 12 rebounds.
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