The Los Angeles Lakers bench could not control their own emotions after witnessing LeBron James have an incredible moment during the Lakers’ most recent game against the Houston Rockets. As fans should certainly be aware, King James is currently in Year 21 and still playing at a level much higher than many assumed was even possible.
In comparison to LeBron, most players who had been in the league for over two decades were barely shells of themselves at that point in time and played extremely restricted minutes. However, the Lakers star continues to set himself apart from the rest by consistently showing up for his team on a nightly basis.
If anyone knew just how impressive LeBron’s feats are, his teammates on the Lakers would certainly be on that list. After all, his teammates likely know a lot more about his abilities and limitations when compared to the rest of the basketball community.
Even his own Laker teammates were caught off guard by LeBron’s impressive move in a game against the Rockets. With that being said, let us take a closer look and find out more.
LeBron James’ incredible 360 layup earned the Lakers’ bench a technical foul
Some fans will know that the NBA league referees tend to hand out technical fouls at times. This is when players behave “inappropriately” and appear to cross the boundaries of the sport. We have seen NBA stars receive technical fouls for acts such as taunting the opposition or constantly arguing with the NBA referees.
During the game between the Lakers and Rockets, LeBron James took to the post against Tari Eason. He backed Eason down a few steps and exploded in the air to finish. He was met at the summit by Jeff Green and acrobatically twisted in the air to finish the layup.
Upon noticing their leader make this incredible play, the Lakers bench reacted so powerfully that the official present near them decided to award the bench a technical foul. As a result, the Rockets were awarded a free throw. However, this really didn’t change the outcome of the game since the Lakers won with a final score of 107-97.
LeBron James just converted a 360 layup in traffic. His teammates are holding their hands on their heads in disbelief. Half of the https://t.co/RbGGF9YhdO Arena crowd just got up to give LeBron a stranding ovation after the replay showed on the video board.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) December 3, 2023
Having seen LeBron display his incredible finishing abilities might make fans wonder if the Los Angeles Lakers star is the best rim finisher we have ever seen.
Is King James the best rim finisher in NBA history?
Just like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant are known for their iconic fadeaway shot, King James’ unstoppable drive to the rim is certainly in the same league. Over the years, even LeBron’s critics have admitted that he is the best driver of the basketball and is like a freight train once he gets going to the rim.
There is no denying that a prime LeBron James might just be one of the best rim finishers in NBA history. Only players such as Shaquille O’Neal, who lived in the paint and made most plays through post-dunks, can claim to be just as good a finisher.
However, it is important to note that Shaq had nowhere near the speed or ball control when compared to King James. Therefore, we might just be able to conclude that LeBron is the best rim-finisher in NBA history. Nonetheless, this is a topic that fans should decide on among themselves.
