LeBron James led the Lakers to a one-point victory over the Rockets on Sunday, but admitted after the game that his health isn’t quite up to scratch.
You wouldn’t have known it though, as he dropped 37 points on 14-of-19 shooting, along with six rebounds, eight assists and three steals in the 105-104 win.
At the end of next month, James will be 39 years of age, so for him to be able to put on a performance like that when he isn’t fully healthy is a testament to his greatness.
“I guess I’m just in a really good groove right now,” James said when asked about the efficiency he’s showing during his 21st year in the league.
James entered Sunday’s game initially listed as questionable on the injury report as he deals with a left calf strain.
He revealed after the win there are a few niggles that are bothering him.
“I don’t feel that great right now. Dealing with a couple of injuries, little under the weather right now, but I guess I’m just trusting the work. And then the competition got me going a little bit as well. My teammates needed me to be as great as I could be tonight, and I’m happy I was able to come through for them.”
The NBA’s greatest all-time scorer explained that he constantly reminds himself of why he’s still playing.
“Just trying to push the limit,” LeBron said. “See how far I can take this thing. I don’t know. I mean, it’s me vs. Father Time.”
It was another entertaining battle between James and Rockets forward Dillon Brooks.
It was LeBron’s turn to walk away with the W after Houston embarrassed LA with a blowout win earlier this month.
The Lakers star got a tech for pushing Brooks during the contest and he says that he relishes competing against players like ‘Dillon the villain’.
“Those young guys, they get me going. So, I need that.”