NBA fans react to witnessing history as LeBron James breaks Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's scoring record: "THE GOAT UNDISPUTED"
LA Lakers superstar LeBron James made history on Tuesday night as he became the NBA's all-time scoring leader. The "King" broke Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's long-standing record in the LA Lakers' game against the OKC Thunder.
James achieved what was long thought to be impossible -- passing Abdul-Jabbar on the NBA's all-time scoring list. By notching up 36 points before the end of the third quarter against the OKC Thunder, James surpassed Kareem's tally of 38,387 points.
The game itself was set up to be all about James’ monumental achievement. With fans pouring in to pay the ridiculously high price of admission, it was understood that the night was going to be historic.
James’ family were also part of the spectators in the audience alongside the likes of former record-holder Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. With several familiar faces in the crowd, LeBron had all eyes on him. Needless to say, “King James” produced.
After scoring 36 tremendous points by the end of the third-quarter, James racked up some impressive shots as well. With two consecutive threes to bring the Lakers back into the game, LeBron was certainly motivated to get the dub.
However, as mentioned earlier, the emphasis lay on the scoring record. With LeBron knocking the turnaround fall-away jumper from the elbow, everything came to a standstill as the league celebrated greatness.
Fans took to Twitter to weigh in on James' monumental achievement. Here are some of the best reactions:
@BleacherReport HE IS NOW THE GOAT https://t.co/y5aJQntRBI
@BleacherReport Kareem seeing Lebron break his scoring record: https://t.co/Z1FZcvsPXv
@BleacherReport Kareem Abdul-Jabar is dying for a ten-day contract right now. 💀
@BleacherReport Draymond watching at home https://t.co/dhdaCBNS6N
@BleacherReport Kareem watching LeBron pass his NBA All-time scoring record https://t.co/yLChEXFpsF
@BleacherReport Now this effects his legacy
@BleacherReport THE GOAT UNDISPUTED 🐐👑 https://t.co/9njahZIQFH
the KING@Lakers @KingJames most points EVER is crazy 😭 the KING
@Lakers @KingJames This is why Lebron James is the greatest basketball player of all time
@NBA They really stopped the game though? Lol 😂
@NBA The only thing this night is missing is the presence of Kobe. R.I.P.
@NBATV The goat debate is over. Lebron is HIM
@NBATV There will never be another lebron ever again
Don’t take LeBron James for granted. https://t.co/7nWk1rpFaa
@TheNBACentral Move over Kareem, Lebron is the scoring 🐐🐐🐐 https://t.co/bMCRfFV3jT
I spent my whole life disliking Kobe & not appreciating him until it was too late… I’m not doing the same with LeBron. Appreciate greatness while it’s here right in front of us. Amazing career. Amazing achievement @KingJames.
We are all witnesses.
https://t.co/iiObKnOAia
When you break the NBA all-time scoring record, you can drop a F bomb on live TV @KingJames
@ClutchPointsApp We wanted a sky hook!!!
@NBAonTNT will we ever see this again?
@NBAonTNT https://t.co/qpT7zBmsYF
@NBAonTNT https://t.co/6i5CU3nRNj
LeBron James finally closed out the night with 38 points, seven rebounds and three assists. While James could have possibly played for a little longer, he sat out the final moments of the fourth-quarter with a suspected foot injury.
This undoubtedly raises concerns regarding his availability for the next game against the Milwaukee Bucks. However, the Lakers will be far more worried about the current state of their season.
At 25-30, the Purple and Gold are far from being in a favorable position. With two whole games separating them from the Play-In picture, the Lakeshow are in dire straits as they face off against one of the hottest teams in the league.
LeBron James strengthens his case in the GOAT debate
The GOAT debate has been raging for years now with no clear frontrunner. LeBron James and Michael Jordan are widely considered the two greatest players of all time, with James strengthening his case with his latest achievement.
Several analysts have already had LeBron penciled in as the GOAT, although many disagree. However, LeBron breaking the scoring record has to shift the needle in some manner. Even Shaquille O'Neal admitted this after witnessing history.
Unfortunately, the debate is unlikely to come to an end any time soon. LeBron James will focus on continuing down the road of excellence and adding more impressive accomplishments to his resume.
With 38,390 points over the span of a 20 year career, LeBron stands at the pinnacle of scoring proficiency in the NBA. While James has mentioned the likes of Kevin Durant among other players who could potentially break the record, James has certainly made it a difficult task to carry out.