Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James has tied basketball icon Kobe Bryant for third place for most triple-doubles in Purple and Gold history.
In their 122-114 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday, James tallied his 21st triple-double with the Lakers with 34 points, 12 rebounds and 13 assists.
LeBron recorded his 21st triple-double tonight with the Lakers. That ties Kobe for 3rd-most in franchise history.
(via @EliasSports) pic.twitter.com/awxQ2TMA1Y
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 2, 2020
This is not the first time that James and Bryant's name were intertwined this season. On January 25, James passed Bryant for third place in the all-time scoring list. After the feat, James spoke at length about Kobe crafting the blueprint for high school stars who intend to jump to the big leagues.
The Black Mamba sent out a tweet to congratulate his good friend. Reports also reveal that the two shared a conversation or two after the milestone. James was one of the last people Bryant spoke to before his tragic death in a helicopter crash.
Continuing to move the game forward @KingJames. Much respect my brother 💪🏾 #33644
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) January 26, 2020
To recall, James inked a four-year deal (which includes a player option in the fourth year) with the Lakers in the summer of 2018 — two years after Bryant retired from the game after 20 years with the franchise.
Bryant, as well as the entire organization, welcomed and trusted James to carry on the winning tradition of the Lakers. After all, the basketball club has seen a host of basketball legends don its legendary jersey, including Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O'Neal, and many more. The franchise has a total of 16 titles, the second-most in NBA history next to the Boston Celtics who have 17.
At 35-years-old and in his 17th year in the league, LeBron James is continuing to showcase to Lakers fans that he is still well within his prime. James stuffing the stat sheet once again is just a small part of his ultimate quest of winning that title and continuing the legacy that Kobe Bryant left behind.
Follow Us
Subscribe