LeBron James’ ‘Masterful’ Dominance Has NBA Twitter Hyped as Lakers Beat Hawks

By temporary On Dec 31, 2022 89

Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images

LeBron James celebrated his 38th birthday with 47 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 130-121 road win over the Atlanta Hawks on Friday.

The ageless 20-year NBA veteran made 18 of 27 field goals and 4 of 6 three-pointers despite starting the game 1 of 5. He notably scored half of his team’s 32 fourth quarter points, including 10 in the final four minutes.

Much like Hawks legend Dominique Wilkins, James was a human highlight reel in Atlanta.

Los Angeles Lakers @Lakers

Make way. pic.twitter.com/swZmncWzTU

Los Angeles Lakers @Lakers

down the lane 👑

📺: (@SpectrumSN) pic.twitter.com/bMUrgKD8mW

Los Angeles Lakers @Lakers

HUSTLE PLAY BRON 💪💪💪

go vote right now: https://t.co/zX32W36Jej pic.twitter.com/VLljgtvGaj

Los Angeles Lakers @Lakers

We had the same reaction 😎 pic.twitter.com/j8sJ9kifPO

NBA @NBA

37 PTS FOR LEBRON 🗣️

LAKERS LEAD IN ATLANTA.

📲 https://t.co/WjxYAo0Ivs pic.twitter.com/75Zw6m1drA

NBA @NBA

A BIRTHDAY 40 PIECE FOR THE 👑

40 PTS (season-high)
9 REB
9 AST

LAKERS LEAD 117-113 IN Q4.
📲 https://t.co/WjxYAo0Ivs pic.twitter.com/UvTJ67YLPU

NBA @NBA

LEBRON IS GOING OFF IN ATLANTA 😱

43 PTS
10 REB
9 AST

LAKERS LEAD 120-116 WITH 2 MIN REMAINING
📲 https://t.co/WjxYAo0Ivs pic.twitter.com/8VweGpx6yu

Los Angeles Lakers @Lakers

TB to the rim 💥 pic.twitter.com/Lc3PlUeIDB

As Lakers reporter Mike Trudell noted, only 11 NBA players have played 20 or more NBA seasons. James also happened to be playing his third game in four nights.

And yet that didn’t stop James from posting one of the best individual performances of the season from any NBA player. A host of people offered their praise postgame, including Kevin Durant, Magic Johnson and Pau Gasol.

Kevin Durant @KDTrey5

Masterful 47 I just watched, Lebron James. Masterful…GGz

Pau Gasol @paugasol

Happy 38th birthday @KingJames.
That’s how you celebrate it!! Big time game and big time win!

LakeShowYo @LakeShowYo

LEBRON JAMES GREATEST PLAYER OF ALL MOTHAF*CKING TIME!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/88ouOQUxCY

Kevin O’Connor @KevinOConnorNBA

Don’t take LeBron James for granted.

Complex Sports @ComplexSports

LeBron fans watching him score 47 points with 10 rebounds and 9 assists on his 38th birthdaypic.twitter.com/boTU4shfbg

Josiah Johnson @KingJosiah54

LeBron pulling up to his birthday party after beating the Hawks pic.twitter.com/LDnCqjRdlb

Earvin Magic Johnson @MagicJohnson

LeBron James put on a show for his birthday scoring 47 points, 10 rebounds and 9 assists in the Lakers 130-121 victory over the Hawks!🔥🔥🔥

LeBron Factory @LeBronFactory

LeBron’s last 10 Games:

35 PTS – 5 REB – 5 AST
33 PTS – 9 REB – 9 AST
30 PTS – 9 REB – 4 AST
33 PTS – 7 REB – 9 AST
31 PTS – 6 REB – 11 AST
34 PTS – 2 REB – 8 AST
38 PTS – 6 REB – 5 AST
28 PTS – 7 REB – 5 AST
27 PTS – 9 REB – 6 AST
47 PTS – 10 REB – 9 AST pic.twitter.com/mDQ4Fn7jt7

David Aldridge @davidaldridgedc

LeBron.

47 points, 10 rebounds, 9 assists, on his 38th birthday.

Incredible.

James and the Lakers will now visit the Charlotte Hornets on Monday evening before returning home for a stretch of seven of nine games in L.A.