DENVER — Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic had high praise for LeBron James on Thursday night after the Los Angeles Lakers forward became the NBA’s career leader in made field goals.
James, 41, entered the matchup at Ball Arena needing three baskets to overtake Kareem Abdul-Jabbar at the top of the list. He accomplished the feat in the first quarter of the Lakers’ 118-111 loss, pushing his total past Abdul-Jabbar and adding another milestone to his 23rd NBA season.
“He’s a really, really, really legendary player in this league,” Jokic said postgame. “What he did and how consistent he is through his career, teams are still preparing for him. He’s still pushing the pace and probably leading the league in transition points. He’s definitely a legendary player.”
The admiration between the two stars has grown through several postseason meetings, including Western Conference Finals clashes that preceded each franchise’s championship run earlier in the decade. With both clubs again in playoff position, another postseason encounter remains possible.
James reflected on surpassing Abdul-Jabbar, calling it “pretty cool” to see his name alongside the game’s greats. “I grew up watching, reading, idolizing a lot of the greats,” he said. “If I was ever able to be a part of the NBA, I wanted to put myself in position where I could be named with some of the greats by doing something right.”
The four-time MVP continues to average elite numbers while leading the Lakers’ playoff push, underscoring the longevity that prompted Jokic’s postgame salute.
Source: LakersNation.com
