LeBron James says “continuing to fall in love with the process” is the reason why he maintains his position as one of the leading lights in the NBA.
James last night became the first player to record 50,000 points in regular season and playoff games after scoring with his opening shot in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 136-115 win over the New Orleans Pelicans.
The first & only to hit 50k: LeBron James. pic.twitter.com/ks0EHSNKSV
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) March 5, 2025
He poured in 34 points to finish the night on 50,033 as the Lakers improved to 39-21 in the Western Conference.
“It’s a hell of a lot of points, and I’m super blessed to be able to put that many points up in the best league in the world with the best players in the world over my career,” James told Spectrum SportsNet.
“It’s pretty special. I’ve had the opportunity to play the game that I love, and I’ve always been true to it, so I’m going to always try to give back.”
LeBron still in love with the process
Asked how he manages to maintain his motivation at 40 years of age, James added: “Just not falling out of love with the process.
“Continuing to fall in love with the process, that’s the hardest thing, every single year. You know it’s going to be a long season, it’s 82 games, 41 of them are on the road. It’s a lot of travel. And as you get older, it affects you differently. If you have a family, it affects you differently. So, the process. Trying not to fall out of love with the process is the hardest thing.”
James shows no signs of slowing up despite his advancing years and was yesterday named the Western Conference Player of the Month for February after averaging 29.3 points as the Lakers won 10 of their 12 games.
Lakers coach JJ Redick said: “We wouldn’t be in the position we’re in without him playing at the level he’s been playing at. And that’s offensively and defensively.”
