LeBron James 'happy as hell' for Magic's Markelle Fultz after his triple-double vs. Lakers

Chris Bumbaca | USA TODAY

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Markelle Fultz will carry a memento with him following the Magic's 119-118 victory in Los Angeles over the Lakers on Wednesday: the jersey from he wore during his second career triple-double.

Fultz scored 21 points, pulled down 11 boards and dished 10 assists, looking completely different than the injured and struggling former No. 1 pick the Philadelphia 76ers considered damaged good and shipped to Orlando last year.

"What I've been through, it just gives me more fire to keep going," Fultz told ESPN after the game. "I put in a lot of hard work to be where I'm at. I've been through a lot, but I never gave up.

"So, it just shows for people out there, whoever is doubting you, whoever is doing something (to you), put something on your mind and if you have something on your mind, go do it. Don't ever let somebody tell you that you can't and I'm never going to stop. I'm going to keep working until I can't play no more."

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The Sixers moved on from Fultz after they traded with the Boston Celtics for the top pick to take him in 2017. A nerve condition in his neck and shoulder derailed his jumpshot, and he played 35 games over two seasons with the team. Philadelphia traded him to Orlando for a 2020 first-round pick, a 2019 second-round selection and Jonathon Simmons.

Fultz caught the attention Wednesday of Lakers star LeBron James (19 points, 19 assists), who said it's apparent the 21-year-old is playing with increased confidence. In a twist of irony, Fultz's performance came with a pair of red Nike LeBrons on his feet.

"He's (been) given an opportunity to go out and play the game how he grew up playing. Everything else takes care of itself," James said, per ESPN. "I've been supportive of him ever since he was in high school, when he was a rookie in Philly. Been supportive of his situation and still (am) to this day. I'm happy as hell for him."