LeBron James broke the NBA’s all-time scoring record.
His career scoring total of 38,388 on a step-back jumper with 10.9 seconds left in the third quarter broke the mark of Kareem Abdul for the Los Angeles Lakers against the Oklahoma City Thunder -Jabbar held the record for nearly four years.
james As Abdul-Jabbar rose from his seat to applaud, the game was stopped when some of James’ family members walked onto the floor.
Photo: Associated Press
LeBron James receives the ball from Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.Image: Gary A Vasquez – USA TODAY Sports
Longtime Lakers Abdul-Jabbar became the league’s all-time leading scorer on April 5, 1984, and retired in 1989 with 38,387 points.
But James, 38, surpassed him in his 20th season with 38 points in the Lakers’ 133-130 loss.
“A record that stood for nearly 40 years, many thought it would never be broken,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said.
Abdul-Jabbar held the ball in the air and handed it to James in a ceremonial torch pass.
“I just want to say thank you to the great Lakers fans. You are unique,” James said.
“It’s very humbling to be in front of a great legend like Kareem. Standing ovation for the captain, please.”
James thanked his family and those who supported him, including Mr. Silver and the late NBA commissioner David Stern.
“I can’t thank you enough for allowing me to be a part of something I’ve always dreamed of,” James said.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James celebrates with his daughter Juri.Photo: Associated Press
4th on the all-time assist list
James could have broken the scoring record early on, but he always preferred to pass the ball.
He ranks fourth on the all-time assist list.
“I didn’t think about it that way, but it’s true,” Mr. Silver told The Associated Press. “I think it even adds up to — right? — an achievement for a guy who becomes a scorer because he thinks it’s necessary to win.
“You’re right, he probably doesn’t get enough credit for his selfless play because there’s so much focus and focus on him. … I think it makes it even more special, he’d rather be known because His assists are better than his baskets.”
‘If it happens, it happens’
James is also the only player with at least 10,000 points, 10,000 rebounds and 10,000 assists among clubs with three consecutive NBA titles. In two of those categories, 44 players reached five figures.
“I’ve never been like, ‘Well, if I play this many minutes, I’m averaging,'” James said. “I’ve never done that in my career. I’ve always said, ‘If it happens, it happens.'”
LeBron James poses with sons Bronny and Bryce Maximus, daughter Juri, wife Savannah and mother Gloria
US President Joe Biden said: “You broke a hell of a record with all your heart. You lifted the game.
“More than that, like Kareem, Bill Russell and others who came before you, you challenged and inspired this country to be better, to do better and to deliver on our full promise.”