Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James was named the Western Conference Player of the Month for the month of January, becoming the first Laker to win the award since the late Kobe Bryant accomplished the feat in February 2013.
* @KingJames just won Player of the Month honors for a record 39th time. That’s … a lot of months. He’s also the first Laker to win it since Kobe in February of 2013. pic.twitter.com/HotOaQcDcB
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) February 4, 2020
The Lakers compiled a 9-4 record in James’ 13 contests for the month, with the lone game that James missed being the Jan. 11 game at Oklahoma City.
James establishing a new record by winning the award for a 39th time is something that would ordinarily be the most notable aspect of the selection. However, Bryant’s tragic death on Jan. 26 adds a poignancy that will undoubtedly serve as the highlight.
The tragedy, which also killed Bryant’s 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, and seven others, took place the day after James had passed Bryant on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.
James’ second season with the Lakers has been virtually injury-free, which has allowed the 17-year veteran to bounce back from last season’s injury-plagued campaign.
The Lakers currently have a 37-11 record, the best mark in the Western Conference. Their next contest will take place on Tuesday night at Staples Center, when they host the San Antonio Spurs.
