LeBron James just declared that he has beaten Father Time. This bold statement didn’t come out of nowhere. It stemmed from the Los Angeles Lakers knocking out the Houston Rockets after a brief comeback scare. This could very well be James’ final year in LA and probably even the NBA, but it’s not stopping him from creating more history. In fact, throughout this first-round series, the 41-year-old etched his name in the history books in different categories. And Game 6 was no different.

First, let’s talk motivation. James is in his 23rd season and eighth year with the Purple and Gold. Last season, the front office made a visible pivot to Luka Doncic. Austin Reaves emerged as the next attacking threat. Slowly, we saw the Akron Hammer slip down the reliability ladder. Then came the hammer blow: sciatica ruled him out. Most of us thought: That’s it. LeBron’s done. But he somehow found a way back. Come the playoffs, LA is suddenly without its top two scorers. Pressure was mounting because they’d come off two seasons in which they’d lost in the first round. So, what did James do?

James rolled back the calendar and led the attack in Games 1, 2, and 3. Then came the hiccups, sure. But after two games, the Akron Hammer was there to deliver the Kevin Durant-less team a final blow. In the process, the 41-year-old star reached 1,500 playoff points with the Lakers in the second quarter on Friday night. James turned out to be faster than Kobe Bryant, Wilt Chamberlain, and Magic Johnson to reach this mark. However, let’s not forget that the Black Mamba, with 5,640 points, and Magic, with 3,701 points, occupy the #1 and #4 spots in franchise scoring. But they weren’t the fastest to do so…

Magic had elite scorers as teammates, including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, James Worthy, and Byron Scott. So, his production wasn’t as high, just purely out of his demand for playmaking. He even won Finals MVP after captain Kareem was injured in 1980. Similarly, Kobe was a high school pass-out, getting barely any minutes at the beginning of his career. But ultimately, both of them took over and now stand among the elite. James, too, is taking step after step to put a stronger stamp on his undeniable legacy.

Even LeBron was not the quickest, though. Shaquille O’Neal took only 52 games to reach 1,500 postseason points with the Lakers. But we have to remember this: James is on the last run of his career, not in his prime like Shaq. While he may not be the fastest Laker, he is the NBA’s all-time leader with 8,428 career points scored in the postseason. In his 23rd year, though, here are more records he shattered, especially in the playoffs.

With his second basket of Game 4, James became the first player in NBA history to make 3,000 career playoff field goals. He was already miles ahead of Kareem (2,356) and MJ (2,188). That history-making continued in the first half of the Lakers’ Game 5. With his first steal, he reached 500 in his postseason career. Again, he is overall #1, followed by Scottie Pippen (395) and Jordan (376). In the regular season, he also broke another Lakers legend’s record.

In January, against the Memphis Grizzlies, James dropped 31/9/6, making him the second player, after Abdul-Jabbar, to score 25 or more points in a game after turning 41. He took to social media to share his gratitude and wrote, “Blessed! 🙏🏿” And when asked about Father Time last night after he scored a game-high 28 points, James stated, “Oh, I’m kicking his (Father Time) a**. He could go to somebody else at this point. He already lost to me. It’s over with.”

James led the Lakers when every major sportsbook had the Rockets as favorites. A last-minute injury to Durant swung the odds slightly, but the four-time NBA champion still had to lead from the front. He successfully did so, playing the most minutes for LA, averaging 22.2 points per game. That’s why he is keen on a break this weekend. No doubt he would spend that time doing what he loves. “I can go on the golf course now. That’s what I’m thinking about,” said James.

This relief was much-needed, as the Lakers had to physically dominate and out-rebound the Rockets, one of the league’s top rebounding teams. Although shorthanded, that was no excuse for James to underperform. He was instrumental in hitting a game-tying three-pointer with 13 seconds left in regulation to force overtime, ultimately leading the Lakers to a 112-108 victory and a 3-0 series lead. Despite the Rockets then winning two consecutive games, LA’s superior performance was evident.

Why?

One word: Teamwork. Marcus Smart brought veteran leadership, contributing with playmaking and tenacious defense. In Game 2, he scored 25 points and hit five three-pointers, followed by a standout double-double in Game 3 with 21 points, 10 assists, and 5 steals. Deandre Ayton served as a consistent anchor in the paint, opening the series with 19 points and 11 rebounds in a 107-98 victory. Although LeBron scored only 10 points in Game 4, Ayton delivered another double-double with a team-high 19 points and 10 rebounds. He repeated the feat in Game 5, recording 18 points and 17 rebounds.

Similarly, Luke Kennard had a career playoff high with 27 points on a perfect 5-for-5 from 3-point range in Game 1. Followed up with 23 points, including late free throws that helped ice the game. Rui Hachimura’s impact grew as the series progressed. He scored 22 points on 8-of-14 shooting in the critical overtime win in Game 3 in Houston. Tonight again, he was hot with 8-15 from FG and 5-7 from beyond the arc for his 21 points.

Last night, LeBron James made sure to credit everyone for stepping up. “It’s important for me to go out and kind of set the tone,” James said. “I thought Luke Kennard, the way he played early in the series. Obviously, Marcus was steady throughout the series. DA was excellent. He had 10 offensive rebounds. He was a monster on the glass and a monster in the paint. And then Rui tonight was sensational, hitting big-time threes.”

A true leader gives credit to his team where it is due. A trait he also demonstrated throughout the season was stepping up and defying age. Despite this, speculation about the 41-year-old’s departure has not subsided. In fact, retirement is now a serious possibility! A Lakers front office executive recently discussed the potential approaches James might take this summer.

Lakers governor sheds light on LeBron James’ exit

In his 23rd season, LeBron James continues to produce at an All-Star level. Take this series, for example: James did it without Luka Doncic and a fully fit Austin Reaves. So, he still has the production, and yet there are rumors of his exit. Some said he could return to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Some reports have added that he fancies playing alongside Stephen Curry. The truth is that James will be a free agent, so he can decide his future as he pleases. Here’s what has been said.

“Well, I’ve always said I want to see him retire as a Laker,” Jeanie Buss said. “But he’s going to be a free agent. It’s really his decision to make. He is a valuable player in this league, even in his 23rd season. It’s incredible what he’s done. But, you know, the decision’s going to be his, he’s a free agent, and I’m sure he’s going to look at all his opportunities. Or not. Maybe he just wants to go out quietly.”

Pretty vague there, we’d say. But that’s actually how it is… So far, LeBron has given no hint about his future whatsoever. Previously, he stated those decisions hadn’t even crossed his mind yet because he’s focused on another championship run with the Lakers. The reigning champions, OKC, are the next hurdle.