JaVale McGee joined an exclusive group of Los Angeles Lakers big men with his career night against the Brooklyn Nets. McGee notched career-highs of 33 points, 20 rebounds, and added six blocks on Friday.
According to Frank Urbina of HoopsHype, only three other players in franchise history have posted a line of 30-plus points, 20-plus rebounds, and 5-plus blocks in a single game.
The other two? Hall of Famers and Lakers legends Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Shaquille O'Neal.
The last three Lakers to post a game with at least 30 points, 20 rebounds and 5 blocks:
Kareem
Shaq
JaVale McGee pic.twitter.com/13TM3UEWC1— Frank Urbina (@FrankUrbina_) March 23, 2019
Abdul-Jabbar had seven such outings in his time with Los Angeles, while O'Neal did it once in his final season with L.A. in 2004.
For real, though, talk about a game that came completely out of left field. Still, that's a pretty special feat for McGee, who is enjoying arguably his best statistical season as a pro in his 11th year in the league. I wonder what Shaq will say about his frequent Shaqtin' a Fool victim joining him on this select company.
Despite the career-night from their starting center, McGee's performance wasn't enough to save the day for the Lakers. Their season is virtually over with the 111-106 loss to the Brooklyn Nets, as they have officially been eliminated from playoff contention.
At this point, McGee's future in Los Angeles is still uncertain. He signed just a one-year deal with them in the summer of 2018. With the way their season went sour, Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka might have to re-evaluate their moves, and see if McGee is in their plans for next season.
If this proves to be his only run with the Lakers, at least he is in the franchise record books with two of the greatest big men to ever don the Purple and Gold.
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