LeBron James on closing in on Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's record and his game's evolution in new interview: “It wasn't a goal of mine”
LeBron James of the LA Lakers had a chance to sit down with ESPN's Dave McMenamin and discuss his journey to being the best scorer in the NBA. In the interview, James had a chance to reflect on his accomplishments throughout his 20-year career in the league.
McMenamin had the opportunity to talk to the four-time MVP ahead of his journey to breaking the scoring record of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
"I don't know. I don't know because I have not set out to do that. It wasn't,like, a goal of mine when I entered the league," James said. "Making the All-Star team, being Rookie of the Year, being First-Team All-NBA, First-Team All-Defense. Winning a championship, for sure and being an MVP of the league."
"The scoring record was never ever even thought of in my head because I've always been a pass-first guy. I've always loved seeing the success of my teammates."
"The best teacher in life is experience. I think over the course of my career, I've just gotten better with every facet of my game. There were times where I didn't really have a lowpost game, I wasn't a lowpost threat. There were times where I wasn't a threat from the mid-range, there were times where I wasn't a threat from the outside... I've evolved into where I do what I wanna do, on the floor. I take the shot that I wanna take... I've learned a lot over the years."
Earlier today, there were reports of James having an exclusive one-on-one interview with ESPN. Later on, the interview came out and the two discussed King James' illustrious career playing at the highest level.
LeBron currently has 37,903 points and is on his way to breaking the scoring record this season. Despite the struggles that the Lakers have faced this season, James breaking the record would be one of the brightest moments of the team's season.
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Can LeBron James be the GOAT once he breaks the scoring record?
LeBron James has been a staple in the GOAT discussion ever since he started collecting notable accolades. Once he started winning titles, the argument on who's the greatest player in league history became tighter. Now, he's on the path to breaking a distinguished scoring record, validating his case to becoming the greatest player of all time.
Former NBA star Dirk Nowitzki was asked about the matter. He mentioned that he's always considered Michael Jordan to be the greatest player to ever play. However, Nowitzki said that if James breaks the scoring record, he might have no arguments left.
"If [LeBron] really passes Kareem in the scoring record, I'm running out of arguments for Michael."
Dirk Nowitzki is close to calling LeBron James the greatest ever: "Tremendous that he can still play like this in his Year 20. ... I always say that Michael Jordan is the GOAT — if (LeBron) really passes Kareem in the scoring record, I'm running out of arguments for Michael..." https://t.co/X14Ko62Ds3
Most people might change their opinion once LeBron passes Kareem on the scoring list. For now, all we can do is soak it all in.
Also read: LeBron James backed to go on "scoring binge" by Shannon Sharpe to become the NBA's all-time scoring leader: "Give him 16 games, BOOK IT!"