LeBron James breaks silence after coach hits back at critics

LeBron delivered a standout display in the Lakers’ emphatic 141-116 victory over the Hawks. He led the scoring with 31 points, adding nine rebounds and 10 assists, along with one steal and one block, while shooting 12-of-20 from the field and 2-of-4 from three-point range. He posted a 68.5 per cent true shooting mark in just 32 minutes as the Lakers recorded their 24th win of the season.

Speaking after the game, Redick praised both LeBron’s performance and his mentality. “His competitive stamina is off the charts. It’s actually unfortunate how much this guy puts into it and how much he cares, and the way certain people talk about him. It’s crazy. Come be around him every day and see how much this guy cares. It’s off the charts,” Redick said.

LeBron later responded to his coach’s comments, making it clear where his focus lies. “I just hope that once I’m done that I made an impact for the people that follow my career and watch me, my fans that have been locked in with me for over 23 years since I started this journey as a high school freshman,” he said. “That’s all that matters. My crew that’s been with me. Everything else doesn’t matter.”

This season, LeBron is averaging 22.4 points, 5.7 rebounds and 6.9 assists in around 33 minutes per game. He has been open about adjusting his role and style of play to support Luka Dončić, yet he continues to produce high-level performances, including his display against Atlanta.

LeBron holds numerous NBA records, including being the all-time leading scorer when combining regular season and playoff points, as well as the record for most consecutive games scoring 10 or more points. He also ranks among the league’s leaders in assists, minutes played and playoff wins, and remains the only player in NBA history to record at least 10,000 points, rebounds and assists.

He has also played more NBA seasons and logged more minutes than any other player. After 23 seasons, LeBron continues to compete at the highest level. He began his career with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003, spent four years with the Miami Heat, returned to Cleveland in 2014 and joined the Lakers in 2018. He is now chasing a fifth NBA title.

The Lakers are currently fifth in the Western Conference with a 24-14 record. If they maintain their form, they are well placed to avoid the play-in tournament and secure a direct playoff spot. Up next, the Lakers face the Charlotte Hornets (16 January), Portland Trail Blazers (18 January), Toronto Raptors (19 January), Denver Nuggets (21 January) and the Clippers in the Los Angeles derby (23 January).