It’s another astounding statistic to adorn LeBron James’ impossibly long run as the peerless superstar around whom the NBA orbits.
Until Thursday night, when James and the defending champion L.A. Lakers were bounced from the playoffs by the Phoenix Suns, basketball’s self-proclaimed king had never been eliminated in the post-season’s opening round. Which is only amazing when you consider there are Hall of Famers who never made it past the first round in their prime. Certainly Tracy McGrady comes to mind.