LeBron James continues to defy Father Time in his 21st NBA season
The Los Angeles Lakers star stuffed Jamal Murray on a dunk early in the first quarter of Game 2. The Denver Nuggets guard leaped for a one-handed jam but was met at the rim by James, who used his right hand to send the basketball out of bounds.
James proceeded to stare at the Lakers bench after the play as his teammates stared back in disbelief. Lakers great Magic Johnson also reacted to the play.
LEBRON WITH THE UNREAL REJECTION ????????????
— NBA (@NBA) April 23, 2024
LAL-DEN | Game 2 on TNT pic.twitter.com/i1m0vOlBny
LeBron said not on my watch big fella!!???? https://t.co/uokTfksKyC
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 23, 2024
It wasn't the lone highlight play of the night for James.
After receiving an outlet pass from Anthony Davis, James took one dribble toward the basket near the end of the first half in Game 2. Nuggets guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope then attempted to wrap James up to commit a foul and stop a layup. But James muscled his way to score, putting the Lakers up 55-44 with 1:18 remaining in the half.
HOW LEBRON DID LEBRON GET THIS TO GO? ????
— NBA (@NBA) April 23, 2024
Game 2 of the #NBAPlayoffs presented by Google Pixel is live on TNT! pic.twitter.com/3n8GH5U3mT
He made this. pic.twitter.com/OTim2JoZRH
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) April 23, 2024
James had 27 points, 8 assists and 6 rebounds in a Game 1 loss to the Nuggets -- his 150th career playoff game with 25 points, 5 assists and 5 rebounds, the most all time, according to ESPN Stats & Information.
Heading into Monday, the Nuggets have won five straight playoff games against the Lakers, tied for the second longest win streak against the Lakers in playoff history.