Lakers news: LeBron James edges Larry Bird for most 40-10-5 games since NBA-ABA merger

Lakers superstar small forward LeBron James edges living legend Larry Bird for most 40-10-5 games since NBA-ABA merger, and that's history.

It seems like Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James couldn't get enough accomplishments recently. History has been rewritten as LeBron edges Boston Celtics legend Larry Bird for most 40-10-5 games since NBA-ABA merger.

Justin Kubatko of StatMuse tweeted out this latest feat by LeBron in the same game he moved past Wilt Chamberlain in the NBA all-time scoring list.

LeBron James has 23 career games with at least 40 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists, the most such games since the ABA-NBA merger. Larry Bird is second with 22 such games. pic.twitter.com/ofhmrDNYTk

— Justin Kubatko (@jkubatko) November 15, 2018

When one thinks of the best all-around small forwards in the history of the league, both James and Bird always come to mind. Bird may not be as athletic as LeBron James, but his versatility and court smarts are his greatest assets. Known for his knack to shoot the lights out, Bird could do more than just putting the ball into the hoop. Just ask LeBron about it.

Chris Greensberg of SB Nation wrote a column about LeBron commenting on the best small forwards to ever play in the league.

“And for young guys that don't know him, they think of Larry Bird as a jump shooter. But he was so much more than that. He was a passer. He averaged double-digit rebounds. He defended. He took charges.”

Bird, arguably one of the toughest players of his era, returns the favor to James. The 12-time All-Star is an avid fan of James' game, per Zach Lowe and Ian Thomsen of the Lowe Post podcast.

“You know Michael Jordan came out and said I never would have done what LeBron did. I never would have wanted to go as a free agent and play with other guys, and Magic Johnson said ditto. Larry Bird had never said anything about it, and I was in his office, and he was like ‘LeBron should do whatever he wants. He’s as good as any player I’ve ever seen.’ He said, ‘In fact, when he comes up here to play I just watch him the whole time.’

Often scrutinized in the past for arguably starting the ‘Superteam' movement, LeBron James has now earned the admiration of many fans, even his past critics.