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Nets' Allen happy to join short list of LeBron dunk-blockers

Jesse D. Garrabrant / National Basketball Association / Getty

When Brooklyn Nets center Jarrett Allen met LeBron James at the rim and won, it was just the ninth time the four-time MVP has had one of his dunks rejected in 1,850 attempts, according to ESPN Stats and Info.

"That's a helluva list to be on. He's an amazing player," said Allen after the Nets' 115-110 win over the Los Angeles Lakers, according to ESPN's Ian Begley. "I got the chance to do it, so I'm on the list forever now."

Allen, 20, has become one of the premier rim protectors in the Association in just his second season, averaging 1.5 blocks in 27.1 minutes per game. He understands the risks that come with the job, especially in the age of social media.

"If you go up and you block it, you're going to be on the highlight," he said. "You get dunked on, you're going to be on the highlight. So just go up and protect the rim."

James seemed unimpressed by the stop, citing a wide age gap in his assessment of his rim battle with the 6-foot-11 big man.

"He's in his 20s; I'm in my 30s. It takes me a little longer to get warmed up," James said. "But that's fine. I mean, you're a shot-blocker. You should - you can - get a block. It happens. It's probably all over social media, so that's cool."

James finished with a game-high 36 points and 13 rebounds in the loss.

The Nets (14-18) have now won six straight games.

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