March 20 (UPI) -- LeBron James shared words for critics who said the Los Angeles Lakers are better without him, calling them out after a win over the Miami Heat.
James notched a 19-point, 15-rebound, 10-assist triple double in the 134-126 triumph Thursday in Miami. With the start, he also tied Boston Celtics legend Robert Parish for the all-time games played record at 1,611.
"Availability, I've always wanted to be available for my teammates, either in Cleveland, Miami and now in Los Angeles," James told reporters. "It takes a lot.
"It's a mental toll, trying to play a lot. ... I give a lot of praise to the man above and just loving and appreciating the game."
King James averaged 21.3 points, 6.9 assists and 5.0 rebounds through his first 49 starts of his 23rd season. Despite the unprecedented statistics for a 41-year-old, critics have questioned if the Lakers would play a better, quicker style without him on the floor.
