Derek Fisher discusses LeBron James' legacy and impact on NBA: "'Man, what's going to happen today if somebody breaks Kareem's record?'"
LeBron James finds himself on the verge of making history as he closes in on Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's scoring record. With 5x NBA champion Derek Fisher reacting to the monumental occasion, Fisher also shared his thoughts on LeBron's legacy as a basketball player.
LA Lakers superstar LeBron James is only 36 points away from making NBA history. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players to play the game of basketball, James finds himself in a position to add another achievement that solidifies his legacy.
At the age of 38, James continues to be one of the most effective and incredible players in the NBA. Averaging a remarkable 30 points per game at this stage in his care, the Lakers superstar is displaying longevity and consistency the likes of which the league has never seen.
Needless to say, his investment in his health has played a huge role in ensuring his ability to stay sharp this late in his career. However, this also sees him on the verge of breaking one of the longest-standing records in the NBA.
Former LA Lakers player Derek Fisher shed light on how monumental the occasion was. While discussing LeBron's legacy as he closes in on the all-time scoring record, Fisher said:
"When I think back on my career, I don't think there were many locker room conversations about 'Man, what's going to happen today if somebody breaks Kareem's record?' I just don't think that we fathomed that this day would come."
"LeBron or not, I don't think anybody anticipated a player having the longevity and the consistency at this level of greatness to be able to reach the record."
While building upon his comments on LeBron, Fisher also added:
"Not only is LeBron approaching it, going to pass it, but one could argue that he has another few years of excellence to create a record that may actually never be broken."
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Fisher's statement probably echoes the sentiments of most basketball fans. Kareem's scoring record was one of those achievements that were expected to be immortal. However, James is on pace to beat the record quite comfortably.
What is even more surprising is that LeBron is likely to significantly build upon the scoring record. For a player who doesn't consider himself a scorer, LeBron James is certainly highlighting his offensive excellence.
LeBron James' legacy is solidified regardless
At this point, it is more or less understood that LeBron James will be breaking Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's record. Whether it is against the OKC Thunder on Tuesday or the Milwaukee Bucks in the following games, James will become the NBA's leading scorer. However, his legacy as an all-time great has already been solidified.
While talk of James' scoring prowess has been at the forefront, LeBron recently displayed greatness in another facet as well. Having passed Mark Jackson and Steve Nash on the all-time assists list, James also ranks fourth in assists in NBA history.
Being top 3 in scoring and top 5 in assists is an otherworldly accomplishment for any single player. Additionally, James has also recorded over 10,000 rebounds over the course of his 20 year career. Needless to say, his resume is unmatched.
As a competitor, and as a player, LeBron James is undoubtedly in a league of his own.