LeBron James reaches elite postseason milestone in win

LeBron James Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

LeBron James reached ridiculous postseason milestone in Game 3 win

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 5/7/23

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James continues to add to his impressive resume, reaching a feat not accomplished in over 40 years during Saturday's Game 3 win over the Golden State Warriors.

In the victory, James surpassed fellow Lakers great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for fifth all-time in postseason rebounds. With his passing of Abdul-Jabbar, James became the first player since Wilt Chamberlain in 1975 to rank among the top five in all-time playoff points, rebounds and assists.

LeBron James is currently top 5 in total points, rebounds and assists in NBA postseason history after passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for 5th on the rebounds list last night

The last player to be top 5 in all 3 categories in postseason history was Wilt Chamberlain on April 15, 1975 pic.twitter.com/SkA3b3CTwz
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) May 7, 2023

With 7,830 career playoff points, James easily has the all-time lead in that category. James ranks second in assists (1,965), trailing another Lakers legend, Magic Johnson. And only Hall of Famers Shaquille O'Neal (2,508), Tim Duncan (2,859), Chamberlain (3,913) and Bill Russell (4,104) have more postseason rebounds than James.

James long ago cemented his legacy as one of the game's greats, but he is still playing at a level rarely, if ever, seen in the NBA by a 38-year-old. His most recent accomplishment is just another notch on a very crowded belt for James.

At the back end of his legendary career, though, James seems more motivated by rings than individual accomplishments.

Bucket. Block.

LeBron (21 PTS) doing it ALL for the Lakers in Game 3 ️

: Live on ABC pic.twitter.com/muMMjFmCuC
— NBA (@NBA) May 7, 2023

The Lakers' superstar is a huge reason L.A. owns a 2-1 series advantage against the defending champs.

After failing to attempt a field goal in the first quarter for the first time in his career — playoffs or otherwise — to open Game 3, James took control of the contest, finishing with 21 points, eight rebounds and eight assists in a 127-97 Lakers win. Heading into Monday's pivotal Game 4, James is averaging 22 points, nine boards and five assists against the Warriors.

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