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James – who is the first player to take part in 23 consecutive NBA seasons and is also the NBA’s record points scorer – contributed 12 points, six rebounds, four assists and three steals as the Lakers beat Orlando for a ninth straight win.<\/p>\n
The Lakers are third in the Western Conference, while Magic are eighth in the Eastern Conference.<\/p>\n
“Availability, I’ve always wanted to be available to my team-mates,” added James.<\/p>\n
“It’s a mental toll, trying to play a lot and being out there. I just give a lot of praise to the man above and [it’s about] just loving the game and appreciating the game.”<\/p>\n
James was not the only player to achieve a milestone as Kevin Durant passed NBA legend Michael Jordan to go fifth in the all-time scoring list in regular-season games.<\/p>\n
Durant moved to 32,294 – two ahead of Jordan – courtesy of a 27-point display for the Houston Rockets<\/b>, who are fourth in the Western Conference, in their last gasp 123-122 win against the Miami Heat<\/b>, who are ninth in the Eastern Conference.<\/p>\n
“It means a lot,” said Durant, who passed Jordan with a three-pointer in the fourth quarter.<\/p>\n
“I’m grateful to be here and for this incredible journey it’s been. I’m looking forward to continuing.”<\/p>\n
Elsewhere, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 40 points for the Oklahoma City Thunder<\/b> as four players were ejected in his side’s fiery 132-111 win against the Washington Wizards<\/b>.<\/p>\n
The Thunder’s Ajay Mitchell, Jaylin Williams and Cason Wallace were ejected, along with Washington’s Justin Champagnie, following a mass brawl near the end of the second quarter.<\/p>\n
Reigning NBA champions Thunder remain top of the Western Conference, while the Wizards are one place off the bottom in 14th place.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n