"I wouldn't coach a basketball game that way to try to get a guy a record" - JJ Redick on Lebron James getting closer to the field goals made all-time record

LeBron James last night, with the Los Angeles Lakers, pursued a third consecutive win to pull further away from the Play-In zone that has been breathing down their necks, achieving it after defeating the New Orleans Pelicans by 110–101 at Crypto.com Arena.

The four-time NBA champion finished the game with 21 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists on 8-of-12 shooting, while Luka Doncic, who ended the game with 27 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, and seven turnovers, was the standout for his team.

Advertisement

This matchup was particularly notable because LeBron had the opportunity, in front of the home crowd, to surpass franchise icon Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's all-time field goals made record. He was just 11 shots away but chose not to force his attempts, focusing instead on team success, something JJ Redick elaborated after the game.

"I heard. I wouldn't coach a basketball game that way to try to get a guy a record. He'll get his record, and we're trying to win a basketball game," Redick stressed at the press conference.

Advertisement

LeBron is chasing multiple milestones this season

It's a positive message for Lakers fans, as they could witness one of the final milestones of James' storied career. He already set the record for most seasons played this year (23), and he is on track to surpass the legendary "Cap" in all-time field goals made.

King James also has seven games left to surpass Robert Parish on the all-time games played leaderboard. Clearly, no matter how the season ends for the Lakers, LBJ will further solidify his case for GOAT status.

Advertisement

Even though the opportunity to break the record in front of the home crowd was perfect, Redick emphasized that the focus was on winning and continuing the Lakers' pursuit of the Larry O'Brien trophy. LBJ's next chance will come against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena, where he will play against Nikola Jokic, a guy who recently surpassed Kareem's record as the center with the most assists in history.

Despite playing at a high level at 41, many still believe he has become a burden for the Lakers, with one outspoken critic, Byron Scott, saying LeBron should leave the Lakers this summer.

"I'm a fan, but I don't mince words either," said Scott. "I think this should be his last year here, just here. You don't have to go home, but you got to get the hell up out of here."

Advertisement

Related: Larry Bird named his favorite modern NBA superstar: "He goes all out all the time"

Lakers fans have their eyes set solely on the championship

While LeBron continues to break records and defy the laws of physics, the reality in L.A. is that nothing is tolerated except competing for the Larry O'Brien trophy. Even players of James' caliber cannot bypass that expectation.

Even though he is not the sole reason for the Lakers' struggles this season, the fact remains that he is far from his peak, and as much as his milestones excite fans, the Lakers operate under a different set of rules.

Advertisement

If this season ends in failure, don't be surprised if a wave of criticism targets the four-time MVP, no matter how many records he shatters by the end of the season.

Related: "As great as Luka is, I want the ball in LeBron's hands" - Marc Spears thinks LeBron James should be the Lakers' facilitator in clutch moments

This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Mar 4, 2026, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.