LeBron James has become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s 39-year record.
Los Angeles Lakers star James, 38, scored 38 points in a 133-130 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder to beat Abdul-Jabbar’s 38,387 mark.
Abdul-Jabbar originally broke the scoring record in April 1984, eight months before James was born.
“Being able to stand in front of such a legendary and great as Kareem, that means a lot to me,” James said.
James, who needed 36 points to break the record, did it with a long jump at the end of the third inning and he finished the game with a career total of 38,390.
An emotional James raised both hands in celebration while Abdul-Jabbar, 75, who was present at the match, stood up and clapped his hands.
There was a short break in the game to prepare for the achievement ceremony, James took up the microphone to address the court.
“To everyone who has been a part of this run with me over the past 20 years, I want to say thank you so much because I wouldn’t be who I am without you all. You all have helped. Your passion and sacrifice have helped me get to this point,” he said.
“And to the NBA, to Adam Silver, to the late great David Stern, thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of what I’ve always dreamed of. I will never in a million years dream. wish this was even better than it did.” is tonight.”
Abdul-Jabbar solemnly handed the ball to James in recognition of his new record in front of a cheering crowd that included tennis legend John McEnroe, music stars Jay-Z, LL Cool J and Bad Bunny, and actor Denzel Washington.
Abdul-Jabbar, who retired in 1989, said: “I think it has every possibility of being broken. It just needs to have one person that the offense is constantly focused on.”
“LeBron’s career is that of one of the guys who planned to dominate this game. You have to credit him for the way he plays and the way he exists and dominates.”
Four-time NBA champion James is in his 20th season in the NBA, first being recruited by his hometown team Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003.
The striker joined the Miami Heat in 2010, winning two titles, before returning to lead Cleveland to win the only NBA title in their history in 2016.
He’s been with the Lakers since 2018 and helped them win the 2020 title, which is also his fourth time being named an NBA Finals MVP.
Two-time Olympic champion James has won four regular-season MVP titles and appeared in the NBA finals 10 times.
Abdul-Jabbar played in the NBA for 20 seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks and Lakers, during which time he won six titles, six regular-season MVP crowns, and two-time Final MVP honors.
When asked after the game if he was the best NBA player of all time, James said: “I’ll let the others decide who it is or just talk about it, but that’s the talk. Great story at the barbershop.
“Personally, I’d go up against anyone who’s ever played the game. But it’s up to everyone to decide who they like.”
Than to follow.
