Top 5 NBA players for points in a game at 38 years old ft. Michael Jordan, LeBron James and more
Back in the mid-2000's, the NBA had a tagline that went: "Where amazing happens." It's clear why the association went with the slogan because LeBron James is living proof of being amazing. Ever since James turned 38 years old last December, he hasn't shown any signs of slowing down. In fact, it's as if he re-entered his prime.
LeBron James dropped 47 points on his birthday, then topped his season-high with 48 points on Monday night. It makes you wonder how "The King" continues to dominate the NBA even at an advanced age. With that in mind, one might wonder if other players were able to achieve huge scoring games at the age of 38.
Let's take a look at the five NBA players with the most points in a game at 38 years old.
Top 5 highest-scoring 38-year-old NBA players
#1. Michael Jordan, Washington Wizards vs. Charlotte Hornets (2001)
By the time Michael Jordan was 38 years old in the NBA, the league considered him to be washed up. However, Jordan proved that he was still capable of providing his team with one of the best scoring performances in history.
The Washington Wizards took on the Charlotte Hornets wherein they came out victorious 107-90. Almost half of the Wizards' points came from Michael Jordan after he scored 51. Overall, he had a solid outing when he added seven rebounds, four assists, and three steals.
#2. LeBron James, Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers (2023)
LeBron James recently put up his season high in points against the Houston Rockets. James was scorching hot on Monday night, scoring 48 points on 61.5% shooting.
James flirted with a triple-double, recording nine assists and eight rebounds. This is LBJ's second 40-point outing for the month of January. So much for haters calling him "Washed King."
#3. LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers vs. Atlanta Hawks (2022)
Before LeBron James put up his season high of 48 points, he went on an offensive assault when he scored 47 points on his birthday. He nearly finished the game with a triple-double in this game too. James ended up with a double-double after adding 10 rebounds and nine assists.
#4. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Los Angeles Lakers vs. Houston Rockets (1986)
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar isn't the all-time NBA points leader for nothing. Even at the old age of 38, Kareem was still schooling his opponents. Back in February 1986, the LA Lakers beat the Houston Rockets 117-95. Abdul-Jabbar displayed dominance by putting up 46 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists.
Looking at this list, it appears that the Rockets have this imaginary curse wherein 38-year-old NBA players beat their team.
#5. Michael Jordan, Washington Wizards vs. New Jersey Nets (2001)
Just two nights after Michael Jordan scored 51 points against the Charlotte Hornets, he put in another spectacular performance. This time around, the Wizards defeated the New Jersey Nets 98-76 on December 31, 2001. Jordan put up 45 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, and three steals. What a way to close out 2001.