Promising upstart Alperen Sengun receives praise from LeBron James after a close game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets

Turkish center Alperen Sengun making noise in the NBA attracted the attention of LeBron James. The ageless superstar lifted the Los Angeles Lakers over the Houston Rockets but praised Sengun after the NBA Sundays contest.

“He is getting more comfortable in every game,” evaluated James, “Obviously, he can post very effectively. He has a great ball-handling ability, can see the floor, great passing. He is a really good young piece.”

Sengun, 21, posted a 23-point, 10-rebound double-double to go with five assists in the losing effort at Crypto.com Arena. Averaging 19.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game in the 2023-24 NBA Regular Season, he is on track for multiple career highs. Adding to a brilliant campaign, he became the youngest Rocket to reach 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds, and 500 assists, early in his third year in Houston.

James, 38, scored a season-high 37 points, including the game-winning free throw with 1.9 seconds on the clock, shortly following Sengun’s layup to tie the game at 104-104. Beating the Rockets included another winning display against Dillon Brooks since the latter opted to open an unconventional duel with the four-time NBA champion. “He is a great competitor. I like going against him,” mentioned the Lakers leader.

Completing a back-to-back and a three-game trip in California, the Rockets face the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on Monday. One day off and then more action for the Lakers with the Utah Jazz visiting on Tuesday.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

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