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Renowned American TV personality Stephen A Smith expressed his disgust as the LA Lakers failed to register a win on LeBron James’ 40,000 points game night. James became the first player in NBA history to score 40,000 career points. The NBA icon achieved the feat during the Lakers’ clash against the Denver Nuggets. James, despite becoming the first member of the 40,000 points elite group, failed to guide his side to a win.
The Nuggets who were on a five-game winning streak extended it to six as they registered a 142-114 win over the Lakers. Lakers’ loss against the Nuggets left Stephen A. Smith ‘disgusted’ and he launched a verbal attack on the entire team, except LeBron. During ESPN’s First Take, Smith said, “Can I switch gears and go in a different direction? Because I’m quite disgusted and I’d like to say that to the American people right now.”
Smith also pointed out that the Lakers had lost their clash on the night of Kobe Bryant’s statue reveal. The 56-year-old added, “Opening night, the Lakers open the season, they lose to the Nuggets. The night that Kobe’s statue is revealed, they lose that night. Tonight, LeBron James surpasses 40,000 points; the only player in NBA history to ever do it. They lose that game.”
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Nikola Jokic hugs LeBron James, congratulates him for scoring 40,000 points
LeBron James was seen sharing a heartfelt moment with the Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic as the latter approached him for a hug. After the Lakers were beaten by their rivals 142-114, Jokic hugged and congratulated the Lakers star. After James crossed the 40,000 points mark, he received a standing ovation from the audience including his family, who were there to witness history in the making.
During the game against the Nuggets, James followed up his first basket in the first quarter with a 3-pointer a few minutes later. In the second quarter, James made a layup, and then later in the game, he drove through Michael Porter Jr. to score 40,000 career points. He achieved the milestone a year later after setting the NBA’s all-time scoring record. In February 2023, he scored 38,388 points to surpass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s record.
