Watch: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar embraces LeBron James as historic scoring record is finally broken

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar watched from the sidelines as LeBron James took over the title as the NBA's all-time leading scorer during the OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers game on Tuesday. James hit a mid-range jumper to score his 36th point of the game with 10.9 seconds left in the third quarter and move past Abdul-Jabbar in the process.

Abdul-Jabbar was on his feet like every other person in the arena. He hugged James as the NBA celebrated the Lakers star's achievement right after he made the shot.

Here's a video of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's reaction to LeBron James hitting the shot that made him the NBA's all-time scoring leader:

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HISTORY.

What a moment for Bron

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HISTORY.

What a moment for Bron https://t.co/eT5fKDnfKC

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This moment between Kareem and LeBron is something special.

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This moment between Kareem and LeBron is something special. https://t.co/NygObZsn7p

LeBron James drops 38 on record-breaking night

James got off to a slow start as the Thunder players guarded him closely. However, the four-time MVP made adjustments that allowed him to speed up his scoring as the game progressed.

He had 20 points in the first half and 16 in the third quarter. James was efficient, making 12-of-18 shots from the field, including 8-of-10 shots from the free-throw line, by the time he notched up his 36th point.

However, James ran out of steam down the stretch. He finished with 38 points on the night. LeBron attempted two shots in the fourth, making one of them. He pointed towards his foot before Lakers coach Darvin Ham benched him late in the game.

Unfortunately for James, the Lakers couldn't secure a win, losing 133-130. The Lakers trailed by 15 points at one stage, but the young OKC team kept their composure to prevent a comeback and seal the win. LA has now dropped to 25-30 for the season. Their playoff qualification hopes have taken another hit.

Meanwhile, the Thunder improved to 26-28. If they win their series against the Lakers, OKC could get the better seeding due to head-to-head advantage at the end of the season.

LeBron James breaks Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's 38-year-old record

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar held the scoring record for 38 years. It was only fitting that an LA Lakers player broke the six-time NBA champion's record. It was once considered unbreakable, but LeBron James' longevity and consistency helped him achieve this incredible feat 20 years after his NBA debut.

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