Lebron remains a saleable NBA asset

Lebron James was cheering and walking and clapping hands infront of the Lakers bench as the game was still in progress in today's NBA game at homecourt.

     The Crypto.com Arena was packed with celebrities.

      Lebron's team was leading by as much as 19 points in the final four minutes of the game. He was already rested by coach Darvin Ham more than a minute earlier.

     At that point, the second unit were there to finish off the assignment except  for Dennis Shrouder and Russel Westbrook on the floor, there was no sign of threat from the Atlanta Hawks. The bench warmers like Thomas Bryant, Max Christie and Kendrick Nunn were determined and aggresive from both ends of the floor.

     As expected the Lakers won in stride, 130-114. James finished with 25 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists.

    After the game he personally went to every possible celebrity he could find to greet and even hug and shake hands with them instead of him waiting to congratulate him.

      And that classic act of the "king", Lebron James, is from my vantage point is a proof that he remains a saleable asset in the NBA. By saying that, it's not about the salary that matters most. His statistics, his power moves his interactions with the crowd makes Lebron one of the best in the league not to let him stay away despite his age.

     He turned 38 on Dec. 31 and the day after that made 47 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists, almost a triple-double, against the same Hawks team, 130-121.

     Television networks had  focused those classic acts many times during the coverage.

     Well, isn't it that just recently, Lebron agreed to sign a two-year extension deal with the Lakers worth $97.1 million? And he is also being criticized by that. In other words, everything that he does is worth to write or publicize.

     The deal affirmed James as highest paid player in NBA history and accordingly his re- signing the is something shaded with motives according to noted analysts.

    The Lakers' chances this season are still doubtful, of course and I can agree with that.

     I'm not a huge, huge fan of the King even if I am a solid Laker forever.

     But for me Lebron is undeniably one of the best, if the not the best. He has landed a special spot in my brains when it comes to the game.

     I'm pretty sure, the Lakers might salvage a spot in the playoffs considering their latest strong charge.

       They are now in their best streak . Their four consecutive wins following to today's win is something that boost their morale after a discouraging 0-5 start as well as being stricken with injuries especially bigman Anthony Davis and the continuing rumors of Westbrook trade.

     The Lakers are now 18-21, still way down at 12th spot in the Western Conference. The Hawks also has 18-21 and are 10th in the East.

     James continues with his terrific performances scoring 30 and above in seven straight games. He did not play against their 112-109 victory over the Heat pior to today's game, when Schroeder took over the cudgels with 32 while Westbrook and Bryant  added 21, apiece.

     Westbrook and the other guards such as Lonnie Walker, Austin Reeves and of course Schroeder are in great shape. Bryant is a big help in the absence of Davis. Nunn and Christie had been given more playing time to showcase their talents.

     I like what is going on right now. The Lakers in spite of the pressing issues will slowly climb the ladder in a few days. I can see that their struggles are coming over and the rollercoaster ride will come to an end.