ICYMI: Patrick Mahomes, NFL stars give LeBron James his flowers
LeBron James has finally surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's long-standing all-time scoring record. Though the feat was a long time in the making, it has elicited an expected delight amongst fans and followers. The entire sports world was celebrating the record, including many NFL stars.
From Patrick Mahomes to Kyler Murray, players congratulated James, referring to him as the greatest of all time. Though the "GOAT" discourse around James has been around for years, his new record has only convinced followers of his prowess and longevity on the court.
🏽Congrats!!! @KingJames legendary stuff!! 💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽
"Congrats!!! @KingJames legendary stuff!" Mahomes wrote.
Greatest! @KingJames 👑
THE KING!!! @KingJames 👑👑
They thought it would never be broken!!
#TheChosenOne
Travis Kelce ended up addressing Abdul-Jabbar's record, which has been around since 1989.
"They thought it would never be broken!!" Kelce wrote.
Considering the ever-changing dynamics of the game, James is one of the few NBA players who has played for over a decade or so. Drafted in 2006, this is James' 20th year in the NBA.
Here are some more reactions from other NFL players:
Lebron James. The best to ever pick up a Spalding!!
@KingJames THE ONE THE GREATEST ALL TIME 👑
LEBRON JAMES 👑 #History
No professional athlete in history has delivered on expectations more than LeBron James.
What he has done is truly astounding. Famous since high school, he built a school, helped pay collegiate tuition for students, and found time to hold the @NBA scoring title in between. https://t.co/DdU5x6e1Rz
@KingJames Congratulations ♥️♥️♥️
Abdul-Jabbar broke the record in 1984, months before James was born.
"To be able to be in the presence of a legend and great as Kareem, it means so much to me," LeBron James said.
He added:
"Everybody that has ever been a part of this run with me the last 20-plus years, I want to say thank you so much because I wouldn't be me without all you. You all helped. Your passion and sacrifices helped me to get to this point,"
LeBron James could have ended up playing for the NFL
To those unaware, King James played both football and basketball in high school. Though he stuck with basketball and ended up becoming one of the most successful players with four NBA titles, he was confident about his NFL selection.
While speaking to The Athletic, the four-time NBA MVP revealed a few details about his NFL recruitment.
“I would have made the team. I would have tried out, but I would have made the team. One thing about it, I don’t mind working for something, so if I would have had to try out for the Cowboys or the Seahawks, or if I’d have stayed home and went back home to Cleveland, I’d have tried (out), but I would have made the team.
Though there's little doubt about LeBron James' determination, one cannot predict the level of the game he could have played. After all, high school football and the NFL are completely different.
Even so, James has remained actively involved with NFL updates, often supporting players and teams during the season, including the Super Bowl.
James achieved this feat during the Los Angeles Lakers' 133-130 loss against the Oklahoma City Thunder.