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Lakers' LeBron James makes history, puts on a show on 38th birthday with season-high 47 points

Kyle Irving

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Lakers' LeBron James makes history, puts on a show on 38th birthday with season-high 47 points image

LeBron James continues to defy Father Time.

On his 38th birthday, James looked no different than the 19-year-old who entered the league in 2003. The Lakers went into Atlanta for a matchup with the Hawks and the birthday boy refused to settle for anything but a win.

James was otherworldly — and not just relative to his big day. The Lakers superstar put together one of his best performances of the entire season, getting into a zone that we've seen so many times over his immaculate 20-year career.

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James erupted for a near-triple-double of 47 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists. His 47 points were a season-high, pouring in 29 points in the second half and 16 points in the fourth quarter to carry Los Angeles to a much-needed victory over the Hawks.

With his 20th point in the game, James etched his name in the record books by passing Oscar Robertson for the most points in NBA history on his birthday.

He also wasted no time to become the fourth player in NBA history to record a 45-point game at 38 or older, joining Michael Jordan (three times), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Jamal Crawford.

He was one assist shy of becoming the fifth player in NBA history to record a triple-double at 38 or older — a feat he feels destined to achieve at some point this season.

James had the entire NBA universe tuned in to his birthday explosion, with several superstars and legends appreciating his greatness in real time.

We are all witnesses.

Kyle Irving

Kyle Irving Photo

You read that wrong – not Kyrie Irving. From Boston, graduated from the University of New Hampshire. Sixth season as a content producer for NBA.com's Global editions. Covering the NBA Draft has become his annual "dream come true" moment on the job. Irving has a soft spot for pass-first point guards, with Rajon Rondo and Steve Nash being two of his favorite players of all time.