LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – AUGUST 22: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers (Photo by Ashley Landis-Pool/Getty Images)
LeBron James passed Klay Thompson on the all-time playoff three-pointer list
The Los Angeles Lakers have really kicked things into high gear after losing Game 1 of their playoff series against the Portland Trail Blazers, as LeBron James and Anthony Davis both have picked up their game in order to give LA two consecutive wins.
During the Lakers’ Game 3 win, James moved up to third place on the all-time playoff three-pointers list, trailing only Ray Allen and Steph Curry. Golden State Warriors shooting guard Klay Thompson, who was relegated to fourth place after James’ outburst against Portland, took a lighthearted jab at LeBron after being bumped down a notch. Hopefully this doesn’t mess with “Space Jam: A New Legacy” production.
LeBron James got off to a rough start against the Blazers.
After averaging just 16.5 points per game in the first two games of this series, James turned on the jets in Game 3, torching Portland for 38 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists. James made four of his eight shots from deep, and that final make gave him the edge over Klay.
While injuries sustained in the 2019 Finals prevented Thompson from playing this season as his Warriors regressed back down towards the bottom of the NBA, he’ll get his chance to move up the rankings next year, when both he and Curry return to full health and will be able to challenge James and the Lakers out in the West.
LeBron is many things, but an elite three-point marksman isn’t one of them. Despite that, only Jesus Shuttlesworth and the best shooter who has ever lived stand ahead of him on the all-time playoff three list. Look for LeBron to pass Allen at some point during this postseason. Steph’s mark at No. 1, however, might be too far out of reach.