LeBron James Opens 2026 With Historic 31-Point Performance for Lakers
LeBron James, a legendary figure in basketball, began 2026 with an exceptional performance. On January 2, he scored 31 points, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 128-121 victory against the Memphis Grizzlies. At 41, James demonstrated that age may just be a number, contributing significantly to his team’s success.
Historic Performance for the Lakers
In addition to his impressive scoring, James also recorded nine rebounds and six assists, successfully making 12 of 18 field goal attempts. This game marked a highlight in James’ 23-year NBA career and set a record for the most points scored by a player over the age of 41. Only one other player, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, had previously reached 25 points in a game after turning 41.
Breaking Records
The achievement is notable as it showcases James’ sustained excellence in the league. His feat allowed him to surpass Abdul-Jabbar, who scored 25 points against the San Antonio Spurs on April 19, 1988. The comparison is striking: both players reached their milestones just three days after their respective 41st birthdays.
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: 25 points on 04/19/88
- LeBron James: 31 points on 01/02/26
Longevity in the League
With his remarkable longevity, James still has the potential to chase even more records, particularly as several players have played into their 42nd year. Notably, Udonis Haslem holds the record for the most points scored by a 42-year-old, tallying 24 points in 2023.
The Lakers are currently performing well, sitting fifth in the Western Conference with 21 wins. With an impressive supporting cast, including Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, the team looks poised for a strong season.
The Future for LeBron James
Despite speculation about his future in the league, James continues to show exceptional performance. Coach JJ Redick described his recent game as “phenomenal.” Currently, he averages 20.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game, shooting at 50.8% from the field. As the “King,” he remains one of the top players in the NBA, illustrating that age has not diminished his skills on the court.
