On Tuesday, LeBron James hit one of the most historic baskets in league history, surpassing Kareem Abdul-record Jabbar’s of 38,387 career points. Abdul-Jabbar was courtside as James broke the record.
LeBron James was greeted by NBA commissioner Adam Silver and Abdul-Jabbar, who presented him with the game ball following a brief ceremony lasting approximately ten minutes.
James congratulated his supporters and family, including his mother, wife, and children, who expected him to score and set a record every time he touched the ball. In addition, he honored Kareem.
“All I can say is thank you to the Laker faithful, you guys are truly unique. It means so much to me to be in the presence of such a legend and great as Kareem. It is quite humbling. Please give the captain a standing ovation, thank you.”
“Thank you so much to everyone who has ever been a part of this run with me over the past two decades,” he concluded. “I wouldn’t be me without y’all.” “Your assistance, your desire, and your sacrifices have helped me reach this point.
“Thank you very much, NBA, Adam Silver, and the late, great David Stern, for allowing me to be a part of something I’ve always dreamed of. I would never in a million years have imagined this evening being any better.”
James surpassed the record held by Abdul-Jabbar since April 1984, when he was seated in a baseline seat near the Lakers’ bench.
Despite LeBron James’ historic performance, the Lakers lost the game to Oklahoma City Thunder 130-133.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams each scored 25 points for the Thunder. Oklahoma City never trailed in the second half, fighting off a 14-4 rally by the Lakers in the last two minutes.
Oklahoma City surged out to a 15-point lead in the first half and connected on roughly 60% of its shots, increasing its advantage over the 13th-place Lakers (25-30) by 1 1/2 games.
James became the fourth player in NBA history to score 20,000 career points before turning 30 in 2013. (joining the likes of Bryant, Michael Jordan, and Wilt Chamberlain).
Five years later, he joined the ranks of Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Wilt Chamberlain, and Dirk Nowitzki as the only players with 30,000 career points.
Tuesday, he surpassed Chamberlain in 2018, Jordan in 2019, Bryant in 2020, Malone in 2022, and Abdul-Jabbar.
»LeBron James NBA’s All-Time Leading Scorer After Lakers Loss To Oklahoma City Thunder«