LeBron James played like prime Magic Johnson at age 39 on Sunday, as he led the Los Angeles Lakers to defeat the New Orleans Pelicans on the road,124-108. James showed how ready he is for the Play-in Tournament by putting up a scintillating triple-double performance of 28 points, 17 assists, and 11 rebounds in 38 minutes on the floor.
After watching James torch the Pelicans, pro wrestling legend Ric Flair hopped on his phone and went off on ESPN’s Alan Hahn, who, a year ago, said that “James’ battery is drained” and that the four-time league Most Valuable Player is “like an old iPhone.”
Ric Flair Rips ESPN Reporter After LeBron James Leads Los Angeles Lakers vs. Pelicans
Flair did not mince his words and even mentioned Hahn’s X handle in his spicy take.
I’m Sorry To Report To You @alanhahn That LeBron Recorded Another Triple Double A Year After You Called Him An Old Man. You Stupid SOB. It’s So Embarrassing To Have You Report About Sports. When I See You On @GetUpESPN Or @FirstTake, I Turn The TV Off. @KingJames, Triple Double. The @Lakers March On! WOOOOO!
Of course, Hahn caught a whiff of Flair’s tirade and had the following reaction to it:
He IS old. And as I said then he’s still great. Just like you, Ric. Can’t wait for @GetUpESPN tomorrow. I know you’ll be watching. WOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Regardless of how Hahn now sees LeBron James, The King’s incredible 21st season in the league can’t be denied. He closes his 2023-24 NBA campaign with averages of 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, 8.3 assists, and 1.3 steals per game through 71 games, while also draining 54.0 percent of his field goal attempts and 41 percent of his 3-point tries.
With the win over the Pelicans, the Lakers locked up the No. 8 spot in the Western Conference standings, which means a victory against the same team in the same location in a Play-in Tournament matchup on Tuesday means that they will advance to the 2024 NBA Playoffs and play the Denver Nuggets in the first round.
If the Lakers lose to the Pelicans, they will play the winner of the other Play-in Tournament game in the West between the Golden State Warriors and the Sacramento Kings.
For More NBA And College Basketball Content:
Follow me on X (formerly Twitter) at @Rexwell14. Also, do not forget to follow us @HardwoodHeroics for even more great basketball content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in the NBA, college basketball, and the WNBA, especially with the 2024 NBA Playoffs now here and NCAA hoops offseason in full swing, click here!