Passion driving LeBron James to new records after scoring milestone

LOS ANGELES – LeBron James may never be able to settle the eternal debate over whether he deserves to be recognised as the greatest player in National Basketball Association (NBA) history, ahead of Michael Jordan.

But, after reaching another milestone in his age-defying career, there is a strong case to be made that the 40-year-old NBA icon is at least winning his improbable duel with Father Time.

On March 4, the Los Angeles Lakers star became the first NBA player in history to score 50,000 career points over the regular season and play-offs, an astonishing record that many believe will never be beaten.

Hours earlier, he had set another record, becoming the oldest man to win a Player of the Month award following a dazzling February in which he averaged 29.3 points, 10.5 rebounds and 6.9 assists per game.

He has demonstrated once again the kind of routine excellence and consistency that have been the hallmarks of a career now deep into its 22nd season.

Speaking after his team-high 34 points in the 136-115 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on March 4, James said his enduring passion for the sport had propelled him to the 50,033-point combined total.

“I mean, that’s a lot of points,” he reflected at the Crypto.com Arena.

“Obviously, the first thing that comes to mind is where I’m from. Picking up the game when I was a little kid and having a love for the sport, and hoping that someday I’d be able to play at the highest level.

“I’ve been able to do that and really enjoy my career. So it’s definitely an honour.”

James admitted, though, that the relentless grind of the NBA’s gruelling 82-game regular season has become more challenging as the years have rolled by.

“Continuing to fall in love with