Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has moved ahead of Magic Johnson in the all-time NBA assist charts, after a stunning performance against the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night.
Eleven assists on the night for James saw him move to sixth in the all-time assist standings, jumping above the legendary Johnson. James got the pivotal assist in the fourth quarter as he found Anthony Davis for a three pointer, and then went on to provide two more assists as the Lakers won 133-129.
James now has a stunning 10,143 assists in the NBA, moving clear of Johnson's total of 10,141. But when speaking about the achievement, James couldn't help but comment on his admiration for the former Lakers star.
"It means a lot, obviously," James said, of surpassing Johnson’s assists. "The way Magic approached the game, it was very infectious.
"His teammates loved playing with him because of the joy he played with and the ability to pass the ball and get other guys involved. He was always excited about seeing his teammates be great. I always admired that in him."
The 37-year-old is now behind Mark Jackson (10,334), Steve Nash (10,335), Chris Paul (11,071), Jason Kidd (12,091) and John Stockton, who is the all-time NBA career assists leader with 15,806. James is also closing in on the all-time scoring record, as he needs 936 points to catch leader Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
James scored 28 points against the Bucks to take the Lakers record to 9-12, but it was Davis that stole the show. 44 points were scored by Davis, and the Lakers form is really starting to turn.
The Lakers made an awful start to the season and were even 2-10 at one point. But they've won seven of the last nine in an unbelievable change of form, and Russell Westbrook's bounce back has helped them massively.
And head coach Darvin Ham has singled out Westbrook for his role in their win, complimenting the Lakers' main stars for stepping up to the plate. "The one play I showed the team after the game was just Russ diving on the floor, keeping the ball alive," Ham said after the game.
"Bron, not giving up, not walking but pursuing the play, having his back, coming up with the ball and pushing it down floor and AD not just relying on Bron to do something spectacular on his own but following Bron up. All three of our big dogs supporting one another and laying it all on the line I thought was key.
"When we talk about winning habits, winning plays, that’s right there at the top of the list. All three of those guys involved to secure the win.”
