LeBron James appreciated NFL quarterback Jalen Hurts showing appreciation and respect for James’ career.
LeBron James fell victim to the biggest regular-season loss of his career against the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday, losing by 44 points. Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts was in the crowd watching James and spoke glowingly about LeBron as an athlete and influential figure in sports. James heard Hurts’ comments and showed the NFL star love on social media.
“And it’s all love and respect right back to you, Young (King)!!!”
And it’s all love and respect right back to you Young 🤴🏾!!! 🙏🏾🫡🤎 @JalenHurts https://t.co/Yz6DwHOfWD
— LeBron James (@KingJames) November 30, 2023
The game on Monday was the first time Hurts got to see LeBron play live, which could’ve been disappointing given how the Lakers lost and LeBron putting up just 18 points in the game. Regardless, Hurts was excited to pay his respects to one of the greatest athletes of this generation, even bringing his dad to meet LeBron.
“I had never seen LeBron play, never met him. Great player. He’s so transcendent in terms of the things he’s been able to do on and off the court. He’s changed the game in so many different ways. I thought it’d be cool to come see him, and obviously, I had the opportunity to meet him, and I wanted him to shake my dad’s hand too. So, that’s a guy my dad has watched, being an older guy, watched him grow into the monumental figure he’s now. He’s been doing it for 21, 22 years now, so it’s all love and respect for him.”
.@KingJames 🤝 @JalenHurts pic.twitter.com/ElpflZyO3X
— UNINTERRUPTED (@uninterrupted) November 29, 2023
James is rewriting history with every game he plays, reaching levels we have never seen another NBA player reach with 21 years of experience on their legs. Seven players made it to Year 21 in their careers, with the best-performing player at that age being Vince Carter, who averaged 7.4 points per game.
LeBron is averaging 25.1 points on 33.3 minutes per game this season, setting a new standard for longevity in the NBA. He’s not happy riding off into the sunset either, pushing his teammates to compete for a championship this season.
LeBron James Demanding More From The Lakers
After a 26-point win over the Pistons, LeBron gave the team an instant reality check in his postgame media comments. Clearly still reeling from the 44-point loss to Philly on Monday, James seemed very serious while speaking to the media and demanding that the Lakers keep finding ways to improve.
“You always have room to improve. We have to improve a lot. We’re only 19 games in. We have to continue to improve, no matter what. We’re not even a fourth into the season yet, so we have a lot more room to improve. ”
These comments follow a similarly negative tenor after the 76ers loss, where he told reporters that ‘a lot’ needed to change when it came to the Lakers performances on the court. Beating the Pistons is a step in the right direction but isn’t a big achievement, given this was their 15th consecutive loss already this season.
James still wants to compete for a title and further add to his incredible legacy which will probably remember him as one of the two greatest basketball players of all time, with arguably the greatest career for anyone who’s stepped onto the court.
