The King’s Scoring Crown đź‘‘

02/08/2023 The King’s Scoring Crown đź‘‘

By: Jeff Yoder

LeBron James (38 Points) Breaks NBA’s All-Time Scoring Record

After nearly 39 years, the NBA’s all-time scoring record has been rewritten. It was April 5, 1984, when Kareem Abdul-Jabbar took the crown from Wilt Chamberlain. LeBron James was born eight months later. Fast forward to last night. On February 7, 2023, it was the kid from Akron who took the crown from Kareem and broke the record that many believed would never be touched. James entered Tuesday’s Lakers-Thunder matchup needing 36 points to make history, and he did it in three quarters.

 

The King Claims the Crown 👑

After a 20-point first half, LeBron erupted in the third quarter with a pair of 3s and a few fast-break layups to reach 34 points. The Lakers faithful rose to their feet for a series of possessions with history on the line. In the final seconds of the third, James dribbled to the left elbow for a step-back jumper — nothing but net.

 

Watch: LeBron James Breaks NBA All-Time Scoring Record

 

A Media Timeout Fit For A King

With ten seconds left in the third, the game was paused for more than ten minutes to celebrate the historic moment. James held back tears as he was joined by his family and friends at center court. A tribute video played on the jumbotron and commissioner Adam Silver teed up the passing of the torch. Kareem handed a ball to LeBron before the new scoring king gave a quick speech.

 

James finished with 38 points on 13-for-20 shooting, including four 3s, but the Lakers lost despite a late rally (133-130).

 

Watch: LeBron James Tribute Video & Full 38-Point Highlights

 

NBA’s All-Time Scoring Leaders

1. LeBron James (38,390 points)

2. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (38,387 points)

3. Karl Malone (36,928 points)

4. Kobe Bryant (33,643 points)

5. Michael Jordan (32,292 points)

6. Dirk Nowitzki (31,560 points)

7. Wilt Chamberlain (31,419 points)

8. Shaquille O’Neal (28,596 points)

9. Carmelo Anthony (28,289 points)

10. Moses Malone (27,409 points)

 

Top Active Players: 14. Kevin Durant (26,684 points), 27. James Harden (24,233 points), 28. Russell Westbrook (24,098 points), 38. Chris Paul (21,404 points), 39. Stephen Curry (21,183 points), 40. DeMar DeRozan (21,164 points), 68. Damian Lillard (18,805 points)

 

The King’s Reign

At 38 years old, LeBron is adamant that he plans to play for a few more years. If his body holds up, he should finish well above 40,000 points. And while there are arguments to be made about who is the “GOAT,” there’s no debate on longevity. In Year 20, the King officially sits on the NBA’s scoring throne, and his reign may never end.

 

Additional Storylines

The Ringer: LeBron James and the Last Breakable Record

Clutch Points: 10 LeBron James Records That Are Unlikely to be Broken

SI: LeBron James Celebrates NBA Scoring Record by Dropping F-Bomb on Live TV

CBS Sports: 25 Numbers to Know as One of Sports’ Most Hallowed Marks Falls

 

Photo: Wally Skalij / Getty Images