Watch: The exact shot hit by LeBron James to pass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's record and become #1 in all-time points scored in NBA
LeBron James is officially the NBA’s all-time scoring leader, surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s 38,387 points that have stood for more than 38 years. “King James” reset the record in tonight’s game against the OKC Thunder at Crypto.com Arena with 10.9 seconds left in the third quarter.
The four-time MVP hit a fadeaway jumper over Kenrich Williams to hit 38,388 points and dethrone Abdul-Jabbar for the all-time scoring crown.
Here’s the shot that gave him the record:
HISTORY.
With this bucket, LeBron James moves past Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer! https://t.co/N6V5RxPe6r
LeBron James had 20 points in the first half and was up to 34 points with 54.8 in the third quarter. The fans were already up on their feet halfway into the said period.
James raised his hands, somewhat in relief after breaking the record while the crowd was chanting "MVP." He was surrounded by family and friends on center court after the historic moment.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar held the scoring record since April 5, 1984, seven months before LeBron James was born. “The Captain” took over Wilt Chamberlain on the said date as the NBA’s leader in points scored.
Everyone, including the former Lew Alcindor himself, probably thought the record would last forever. 38 years, 10 months and two days certainly felt like that before the “Chosen One” shattered it.
James played his first game back on December 30, 2003, versus the Sacramento Kings. His first basket was a baseline jumper over Brad Miller and Mike Bibby with 8:57 left in the first quarter. It took him 19 years, one month and eight days to reach his current points tally.
The soon-to-be 19x time NBA All-Star, a record he will also share with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, has been on a tear since turning 38 years old. He was projected to eclipse the all-time scoring mark somewhere in the third week of this month.
But since turning a year older last Dec. 30, he has been nearly unstoppable. He has played 16 games and has averaged 33.7 points on 51.5% shooting, including 32.5% from behind the arc. If he doesn’t score 36 points tonight, which will surely disappoint tons of paying fans, he should accomplish it on Thursday.
LeBron James has always insisted that he’s a “pass-first” player. For him to break arguably the most coveted scoring record in basketball is a testament to his longevity and brilliance in putting up points.
LeBron James could breach the 45K point barrier
When Kareem Abdul-Jabbar surpassed Wilt Chamberlain for the most points in the NBA in ‘84, he had 31,422 points. He retired in 1989 after adding 6,965 to his total. If LeBron James is healthy and he plays at least 42 years old, he has a shot at the 45K point plateau.
“Cap,” between ages 37-42 was still a force to be reckoned with. He was a five-time All-Star, a three-time champion and a Finals MVP. With the way James has been playing, barring significant injuries, he could push his career points to an unimaginable number.
After 39 years, the NBA has a new #ScoringKing
Salute, @kingjames. https://t.co/NSJqD1kobN
LeBron James has always claimed that as long as his mind is fresh, he will always be ready to suit up. There’s very little left for him to accomplish in his GOAT-candidate career. James also said that he’s not going anywhere in the next few years. If the stars align, the 45K point mountain might just be the next one he’ll scale.
“The Chosen One” has set aside playing with his son, Bronny James, as his last challenge. Who knows if playing with Junior just might ignite something in him and put the icing on top of the cake with another jaw-dropping accomplishment.