LeBron James takes an important step in his career midseason with the Lakers, what’s it all about?

LeBron James, the legendary forward for the Los Angeles Lakers, continues to push the boundaries of greatness even in the later years of his career. In the 2024-2025 NBA season, he has once again cemented his place in history with remarkable achievements that redefine longevity and excellence in basketball. From breaking all-time records to mentoring young stars and launching new ventures off the court, James’ midseason has been nothing short of eventful. This article takes an in-depth look at these milestones, their significance, and what they mean for the future of the NBA and LeBron’s own legacy.

Breaking Michael Jordan’s Record for Most 30-Point Games

One of the most significant achievements in LeBron James’ career came on January 4, 2025, when he surpassed Michael Jordan’s record for the most 30-point games in NBA history. This milestone occurred during the Lakers’ dominant 119-102 win over the Atlanta Hawks.

With a signature fadeaway jumper in the fourth quarter, James secured his 563rd 30-point game, edging past Jordan’s record that had stood since 2003. After the game, LeBron reflected on the achievement, saying, “To even be mentioned in the same breath as MJ is an honor. He set the standard, and I’ve always strived to meet it.”

Teammate Anthony Davis emphasized the dedication required to reach such a level of consistency. “We witness his greatness every day. The way he takes care of his body, his work ethic—this is why he’s still at the top,” Davis said.

This achievement further fuels the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) debate, as James continues to surpass records once deemed untouchable.

The Unprecedented 50,000-Point Milestone

As if surpassing Jordan wasn’t enough, James also became the first player in NBA history to reach 50,000 combined points in regular-season and postseason play. This historic feat took place on March 5, 2025, in a game against the New Orleans Pelicans, where the Lakers secured a 136-115 victory.

James hit a three-pointer early in the game to reach the milestone, finishing the night with 34 points. “I never set out to break records, I just wanted to be the best version of myself every night,” James said postgame. “Coming from Akron, Ohio, I never could’ve imagined being here today.”

The moment was met with admiration from around the league. Fellow superstars like Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry took to social media to express their respect for James’ longevity and consistency.

LeBron the Mentor: Bronny James’ Career-High Performance

While LeBron has dominated headlines, his son, Bronny James, has also been making waves. Playing for the South Bay Lakers in the G League, Bronny recently recorded a career-high 39 points in a game against the Santa Cruz Warriors. Although LeBron was on the road with the Lakers in Orlando at the time, he closely followed the game and later took to social media, writing, “SMILE THROUGH IT ALL YOUNG KING. KEEP GOING!!”

Bronny’s performance has intensified discussions about whether he will make the jump to the Lakers roster next season. LeBron has expressed his desire to play alongside his son in the NBA, and with his continued dominance, that reality seems closer than ever.

The Return of “Mind the Game” Podcast

Off the court, LeBron has also made strides in media. He recently announced the return of his podcast, Mind the Game, for a second season. The podcast, initially co-hosted with JJ Redick, will now feature NBA legend Steve Nash as Redick has taken over as head coach of the Lakers.

Set to premiere on April 1, the podcast will continue its deep dives into basketball strategy, philosophy, and the evolution of the game. LeBron has emphasized that this platform allows him to share insights beyond what is seen on the court.

In the season’s promotional trailer, LeBron jokingly addressed rumors about the Lakers’ acquisition of Luka Dončić and Redick’s appointment as coach, making it clear that he remains fully engaged in both basketball and media endeavors.

The Giannis Antetokounmpo Debate: A Look at NBA Eras

LeBron James also made headlines for his comments on The Pat McAfee Show regarding the evolution of basketball. When asked about how players from different eras would perform in today’s game, James boldly stated that Giannis Antetokounmpo could have scored 250 points in a single game if he played in the 1970s NBA era.

This remark ignited a heated debate among analysts, players, and fans. While some agreed that modern athleticism and training give today’s stars an advantage, others argued that every era had its own challenges and style of play.

Basketball historian Stephen A. Smith chimed in, noting, “LeBron isn’t wrong, but the game was more physical back then. The level of talent today is unmatched, but so was the toughness of past players.”

Regardless of where one stands in the debate, it is clear that LeBron remains one of the most influential voices in the sport, both on and off the court.

The Michael Jordan Relationship: Mutual Respect but No Close Friendship

In a candid interview, LeBron opened up about his relationship with Michael Jordan, admitting that while they share mutual respect, they do not communicate often. “I’ve always admired MJ, and we respect each other’s place in history, but we’re not close like that,” James revealed.

He compared this to his relationship with the late Kobe Bryant, which evolved over time. “Kobe and I weren’t super close at first, but as we grew older, we developed a deep respect and friendship. I hope the same can happen with MJ after we’re both done with basketball.”

Many fans hope for a future moment where LeBron and Jordan can sit down together and reflect on their respective careers.

Lakers Playoff Push and the Luka Dončić Factor

Beyond individual achievements, the Lakers have been making a strong push for the playoffs, aided by the acquisition of Luka Dončić. Dončić, who joined the Lakers at the trade deadline, has seamlessly integrated into the team alongside LeBron and Anthony Davis.

The trio has formed one of the most formidable offensive units in the league, with Dončić averaging 29 points per game since joining the team. The chemistry between him and LeBron has been particularly exciting to watch, with their combined basketball IQ leading to dazzling performances.

“I’ve always admired Luka’s game, and now that we’re teammates, it’s even more special,” LeBron said. “We’re just getting started.”

With the playoffs on the horizon, the Lakers are looking to secure a top-four seed in the Western Conference. LeBron’s experience and leadership, combined with Dončić’s offensive firepower, have turned the Lakers into legitimate championship contenders.

What’s Next for LeBron James?

As LeBron continues to defy age and expectations, the question remains: what’s next? Will he retire as the all-time leading scorer with an untouchable record? Will he play alongside Bronny in the NBA? Or will he shift his focus more toward his off-court ventures?

One thing is certain—LeBron James isn’t done yet. Whether it’s breaking records, mentoring the next generation, or expanding his media empire, his impact on the game of basketball will be felt for years to come.

LeBron James’ midseason with the Lakers in 2024-2025 has been a defining stretch in his career. From surpassing Michael Jordan’s 30-point game record to becoming the first player to reach 50,000 combined points, his achievements are unparalleled.

His influence extends beyond the court, as seen in his mentorship of Bronny, his media projects, and his ability to shape basketball discourse. With the Lakers eyeing another championship run, LeBron continues to prove why he remains one of the greatest players in NBA history.

As the season unfolds, one thing remains clear—LeBron James is not just rewriting history; he’s setting new standards for greatness in the NBA.