James Sets Nba Appearance Record In Late Lakers Win

James - who is nan first subordinate to return portion successful 23 consecutive NBA seasons and is besides nan NBA's grounds points scorer - contributed 12 points, six rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals arsenic nan Lakers hit Orlando for a ninth consecutive win.

The Lakers are 3rd successful nan Western Conference, while Magic are eighth successful nan Eastern Conference.

"Availability, I've ever wanted to beryllium disposable to my team-mates," added James.

"It's a intelligence toll, trying to play a batch and being retired there. I conscionable springiness a batch of praise to nan man supra and [it's about] conscionable loving nan crippled and appreciating nan game."

James was not nan only subordinate to execute a milestone arsenic Kevin Durant passed NBA fable Michael Jordan to spell 5th successful nan all-time scoring database successful regular-season games.

Durant moved to 32,294 - 2 up of Jordan - courtesy of a 27-point show for nan Houston Rockets, who are 4th successful nan Western Conference, successful their past gasp 123-122 triumph against the Miami Heat, who are ninth successful nan Eastern Conference.

"It intends a lot," said Durant, who passed Jordan pinch a three-pointer successful nan 4th quarter.

"I'm grateful to beryllium present and for this unthinkable travel it's been. I'm looking guardant to continuing."

Elsewhere, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 40 points for the Oklahoma City Thunder arsenic 4 players were ejected successful his side's fiery 132-111 triumph against nan Washington Wizards.

The Thunder's Ajay Mitchell, Jaylin Williams and Cason Wallace were ejected, on pinch Washington's Justin Champagnie, pursuing a wide brawl adjacent nan extremity of nan 2nd quarter.

Reigning NBA champions Thunder stay apical of nan Western Conference, while nan Wizards are 1 spot disconnected nan bottommost successful 14th place.