Erik Spoelstra lauds LeBron James’ capabilities playing at 38 years old: “He’s the Tom Brady of the NBA”
LeBron James and the LA Lakers are getting ready for Tuesday night's game against the Orlando Magic. After that, LeBron will return to Miami on Wednesday to go up against a familiar face.
From 2010-2014, LeBron James spent his time with the Miami Heat organization. During that tenure, James played under legendary coach Erik Spoelstra. The two brought the Heat two NBA championships together in 2012 and 2013.
Since then, James went on to play with the Cleveland Cavaliers and now with the Lakers. That hasn't stopped the legendary Heat coach from admiring what his former player has done on the court.
Spoelstra recently praised the Lakers superstar for what he's continued to do on the court as he turns 38 years old on Friday.
“It’s crazy," Spoelstra said. "He’s redefining what’s possible with human performance. The way he looks, it looks like he’s the Tom Brady of the NBA, that he could just keep on going.”
‘He’s redefining what’s possible’: LeBron James on a roll before facing #Heat on Wednesday #NBA trib.al/icT8FaR https://t.co/w0IoN3jrcA
LA Lakers superstar LeBron James continues to impress
There's no denying that what LA Lakers superstar LeBron James is doing as he approaches the age of 38 is simply remarkable. Despite playing in his 20th NBA season, LeBron continues to produce eye-opening numbers.
He's averaging 27.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, 6.6 assists and 1.1 steals per game and shooting 49.6%, including 30.6% from 3-point range. While the season numbers look impressive, James' recent stretch of performances has been even more astonishing.
In his last seven games, LeBron has averaged 33.4 ppg, 6.3 rpg and 7.3 apg. The legendary forward is also shooting an eye-opening 57.8% during that span.
Dirk Nowitzki on LeBron James:
“I always say MJ is the G.O.A.T, [but] if he surpasses [Kareem] with the scoring record I’m kind of running out of arguments for Michael [Jordan].”
(via @LandonBuford) https://t.co/GUy0skugv3
The next challenge for James will be getting the Lakers (13-20) back on the right track. After starting to build some momentum, the Lakers have struggled with superstar Anthony Davis being sidelined due to injury. Los Angeles is in the midst of a four-game losing streak and has lost eight of its last 11 games after a stretch in which the Lakers won eight of 10.
While there will be a reunion between Erik Spoelstra and James on Wednesday night, both teams are in desperate need of a win to get back in a groove.
The Lakers, who play surging Orlando (13-21) on Tuesday, will face the Atlanta Hawks (17-16) and Charlotte Hornets (9-25) after Wednesday night's game before returning home for a two-game homestand.
Miami (17-17), which had the Eastern Conference's best record last season, has been above .500 just once, at 16-15, this season.