LeBron James surpasses Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s NBA all-time scoring document

Los Angeles Lakers ahead LeBron James celebrates after scoring to go Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to grow to be the NBA’s all-time main scorer through the second half of an NBA basketball recreation in opposition to the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder on February 7, 2023
| Photograph Credit score: AP

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James parlayed his offensive versatility over 20 seasons into the NBA all-time scoring document, passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on Tuesday for many factors in league historical past.

James eclipsed Abdul-Jabbar’s mark of 38,387 profession regular-season factors on a fallaway shot with 10.2 seconds remaining within the third quarter of the Lakers’ Tuesday recreation in opposition to the visiting Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder.

He stepped again from the protection of Kenrich Williams close to the foul line and sank the record-breaking jumper.

Abdul-Jabbar, who was sitting courtside, stood and applauded as James celebrated. The previous Lakers star and NBA commissioner Adam Silver each shook James’ hand and gave him transient hugs at heart court docket.

James then received on a microphone and mentioned, “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 y’all. All y’all helped. All y’all’s passion and sacrifices helped me to get to this point.

“And to the NBA, to Adam Silver, to the late nice David Stern, thanks very a lot for permitting me to be part of one thing I all the time dreamed about. I might by no means in 1,000,000 years dreamt this to be even higher than what it’s tonight. So (expletive) man, thanks, guys.”

McEnroe, Jay-Z, Denzel Washington in attendance

The star-studded crowd included tennis legend John McEnroe, music stars Jay-Z, LL Cool J and Bad Bunny, actor Denzel Washington and former Lakers players Bob McAdoo and James Worthy, among others.

With the skills of a point guard, the shooting prowess of a wing and the strength of a power forward, James entered Tuesday’s game averaging 30 points per game this season and needing 36 on the night to break the record.

James, 38, has averaged 27.2 points per game in his career while playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers (2003-10, 2014-18), Miami Heat (2010-14) and the Lakers (2018-present).

Also holds playoffs scoring record

Not counted in his regular-season record total are James’ 7,631 playoff points, also the most by a player in NBA history. He has played in 266 career postseason games while winning four NBA championships.

James missed his first two shots against the Thunder before scoring his first basket on a 3-pointer from the left wing with 7:03 remaining in the first quarter. He had eight points on 3-of-6 shooting in the opening period and 20 points by halftime by going 6 of 10 from the floor, although Los Angeles trailed 76-66 at the break.

In an example of just how consistent of a scorer James has been, he also extended his record streak of double-digit games to 1,140.