PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James compared his team to the Pittsburgh Steelers after a loss over the weekend.
After Saturday’s 120-101 loss to the Orlando Magic, James said the Lakers are very similar to the Steelers, who are 5-3 so far this season.
“We’re like the Pittsburgh Steelers right now,” James said, according to Spectrum SportsNet. “The Pittsburgh Steelers haven’t outscored or outscored any opponent this season right now, but they have a winning record.”
“We have to try to figure that out because it’s definitely a trend. Offensive rebounds and points off turnovers.” LeBron James said about tonight’s game against the Magic. pic.twitter.com/hN54VsF9dK
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) November 5, 2023
According to CBS Sports, citing Elias Sports Bureau, this marks the 34th time in NFL history that a team has won consecutive games in the first eight weeks, and the first time one of the teams has a winning record.
James added that he is Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin’s “lucky charm” because every time he plays Pittsburgh, they win.
James’ comments over the weekend came after the Lakers posted their second-lowest points total of the season. The Lakers (3-3) average 111.8 points per game, ranking 17th among 30 NBA teams.
Just like the Lakers, the Steelers have struggled offensively. Pittsburgh is averaging 278.5 yards per game, and only three teams are averaging fewer. Pittsburgh also averages 16.6 points per game, ranking 30th among 32 NFL teams.
But James did praise the organization on Monday, saying Pittsburgh has a rich history of winning and consistency.
“Outside of San Antonio, the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, I think those are the only teams that can say have the same consistency as the Miami Heat,” James said, according to the Associated Press.
James has strong ties to the Pittsburgh sports community. The Penguins are owned by Fenway Sports Group, of which John Henry is the majority owner. James is one of the group’s prominent investors.