LeBron James puts up historic performance in Lakers win

Lakers' LeBron James excels in win over Mavericks

During the Los Angeles Lakers' 124-104 win over the Dallas Mavericks, James put up 28 points in 35 minutes while also adding 10 rebounds and 12 assists. He shot exactly 50% from the field, connecting on 10-of-20 shots, and even splashed a couple threes. 

James was a basket shy of what would have been only his fifth game with at least 30 points.

This season has been different than any other for LeBron James 

Cast in a role behind both budding star Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic, James' season averages are lower than they've been in two decades. He's averaging 22.0 points, 5.8 boards and 7.1 assist in his 36 games. 

If those marks hold, James' scoring average would be his worst since 2003-04 when he had 20.9 as a rookie. 

Fans need to appreciate LeBron James while they can 

Some may argue that James was only able to dominate the way he did because Doncic (mild hamstring strain) was out of the lineup and unable to enact revenge against his former team. But James still showed he's healthy and can accelerate his game to a level no player has ever reached at his age.

No matter what happens throughout the rest of this season, NBA fans should appreciate whenever James is on the court, let alone making history. And regardless if he decides to retire at the end of this year, return to the Lakers at a reduced salary or play one more season elsewhere, James, the NBA's all-time leading scorer with 42,975 points, has established a legacy that may never be duplicated again.