James scored 35 points, a 21st-season record.

LeBron James makes history again tonight. The famous forward scored 35 points in a 130-125 overtime triumph over the Los Angeles Clippers to exceed Karl Malone’s 81 30-point games in NBA history after turning 35. He broke Dirk Nowitzki’s 2019 record of 30 points in a game in his 21st season. 

James had 11 rebounds, seven assists, and 13-of-19 shooting as the Lakers stopped their 11-game losing run оver the Clippers and advanced to 3-2. 

“I work on my body every day, I work on my mind every day to be able to be available to my teammates,” he said. “We were short and had three nights in four. No Rui [Hachimura], late scratch for Taurean Prince, Gabe Vincent, and Jarred Vanderbilt for the season meant everyone had to stand up. Big gain for us, and I’m glad I helped.”

The 38-year-old sprinting to throw down a thundering alley-oop off Austin Reaves’ feed showed his energy in the extra period. 

James saved his best for last, scoring or assisting on 21 of the Lakers’ 30 fourth-quarter points. That should have given the Lakers the win in regulation, but they made some crucial mistakes down the line, and the Clippers made clutch jumpers and free throws to force overtime. The 38-year-old sprinting to throw down a thundering alley-oop off Austin Reaves’ feed showed his energy in the extra period. 

James’ season-high 42 minutes to win may be his only issue. The Lakers lost to the Denver Nuggets on opening night, and Darvin Ham indicated “in all likelihood” James will play 29 minutes during the season. “You always want to be on the floor,” James said. I’ll follow the system.”

James has averaged 37.3 minutes per game since then, fifth among all players. That’s unsustainable for a 21st-year player, but the Lakers needed James to get to 3-2. It will be fascinating to see how they manage his workload this season.