Fans react as LeBron James becomes 2nd player in NBA history to surpass 38,000 points: “Jorgamble never did this”
LeBron James is closer than ever to breaking Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time scoring record. He entered the game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the LA Lakers just 398 points away from the legendary big man’s scoring title.
With 5:39 left in the first quarter, James hit a jumper on top of the key to join Abdul-Jabbar in the 38,000-points club. More importantly, the shot gave the Lakers an early 18-17 lead over the 76ers.
Basketball fans were quick to jump onto social media to give their thoughts on the four-time MVP’s latest achievement:
“Jorgamble never did this,” one fan wrote.
@NBA Jorgamble never did this
The GOAT debate involving James and Michael Jordan inevitably got dragged into the comments:
“MJ has about a month left of being the GOAT, enjoy it 90s kids,” another fan said.
@NBA @KingJames @Lakers MJ has about a month left of being the GOAT, enjoy it 90s kids
LeBron James has averaged at least 25.0 points per game for 19 consecutive seasons. It’s the kind of consistency and longevity that the NBA has never seen. He could very well finish with more than 40,000 points before hanging up his jersey.
Last season, James nearly won the scoring title by averaging 30.3 points. He was eventually eliminated from contention as he wasn’t able to play the required number of games. Joel Embiid, last year’s scoring champ with 30.6 PPG, is 10 years younger than James.
LeBron James admitted in an interview a few weeks ago that dethroning Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the scoring title was something he didn’t plan for. He’s always been a pass-first guy who relishes getting guys involved.
LeBron James is the second player in NBA history to score 38,000 career points.
Greatness. https://t.co/XgvALhcuON
The 18-time All-Star has been on a tear lately as he tries to carry the LA Lakers without Anthony Davis. Over his last 10 games, he's averaged 33.4 points, 8.2 rebounds and 7.2 assists while hitting 54.0% of his shots.
James has been able to keep Father Time at bay and is stunningly averaging 35.2 points, 10.4 rebounds and 8.2 assists as a 38-year-old. Michael Jordan, at the same age, averaged 24.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.5 steals per game.
LeBron James sustains his blistering scoring pace against 76ers
After 24 minutes in the game between the Philadelphia 76ers and LA Lakers, LeBron James already had 22 points. More importantly, he kept the Lakers in contention to win the game even without Anthony Davis.
The Lakers led Philly 58-57 at halftime largely because of James’ scorching display. He did have ample support from former MVP Russell Westbrook and big man Thomas Bryant.
With 5:35 left in the game, the four-time champ had scored 31 points to go with eight rebounds and seven assists. They still trail the 76ers 99-97 at the time of writing.
LeBron James in the 1st quarter:
16 points
3 assists
8-9 FGM
HEAT CHECK.🔥🔥🔥 https://t.co/cdGycwYbC5
If James keeps up his 35.2 PPG average as a 38-year-old, he could grab the all-time scoring record within the first week of February.