Feb 10, 2023: LeBron James took possession of one of the most remarkable records in NBA history after it had stood for almost 39 years. Keep reading to know more!
LeBron James, also known as LeBron Raymone James, is an American professional basketball player who was born on December 30, 1984, in Akron, Ohio.
The 6'8" athlete is regarded as one of the greatest all-around players of all time and has won National Basketball Association (NBA) championships with the Miami Heat (2012 and 2013), Cleveland Cavaliers (2016), and Los Angeles Lakers (2020).
Picture source; Wikipedia
LeBron James took possession of one of the most remarkable records in NBA history after it had stood for almost 39 years.
Kareem Abdul-career Jabbar's scoring record of 38,387 points was broken on Tuesday by Los Angeles Lakers forward James. It was an accomplishment that once thought unachievable for anyone, but James has earned a reputation for doing the impossible.
In the final seconds of the third quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder, he made a fadeaway 2-point jumper to set the record. James jogged back towards the other basket while spreading his arms wide like he was flying. He then lifted his arms and turned to face the hordes of spectators who had flocked to watch him write history.
As his loved ones leaped out of their seats in joy and joined him on the court, he took a brief moment to halt, knelt down, placed his hands on his knees, and grinned. His eyes were wet with tears.
In his postgame news conference, James remarked, "I felt like I was sitting on top of the arena tonight.” He was seated in front of a wall with the words "ALL-TIME SCORING LEADER" above a picture of himself with his arms extended.
Even greats like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant had been unable to break the record for years. But James, who is 38 and playing in his 20th season, is still one of the NBA's top players and scores points like crazy. He has made tens of thousands of dunks, fadeaways, free throws, 3-pointers, hook shots, and everything else since the Cleveland Cavaliers selected him first overall in the 2003 NBA Draft. James' most recent act of surpassing age-related limitations will strengthen the argument made by his admirers that he, not Jordan, is the greatest player of all time.
James made that case after Tuesday night’s game. If he were starting a team, he said, “I would take me.”
James said that if he ever started a team, he would take himself. However, he emphasized that it’s just him, because he believed in himself and what he brings to the table as a guy who’s been able to adapt his game over the course of 20 years and being able to play any given position in the league and excel at it.
James needed 36 points to create history going into Tuesday night's game. Instead of dressing casually as he usually does for games, he entered the arena in a sleek black suit with a gold lapel button that read, "stay present."
After the game, James stayed on the floor to conduct interviews and welcome his visitors, including his close childhood friends and longtime business partners. He greeted Jay-Z, a rapper, and Denzel Washington, an actor. James then proceeded with the crowd around him to the court's corner closest to the Lakers' locker room, where he saw two people from his early years.
After the game, James waited in the locker room for a time with his knees wrapped in additional ice and his feet in a pail of ice. LeBron James Jr., also known as Bronny, and Bryce James, two of his sons, entered the locker room.
“It’s been a pleasure and an honor so far in my career, within these 20 years, that through the ups, through the downs, through the ins and outs, through the trials and tribulations, I’ve always maintained me and I’ve done it my way,” said Lebron after the game.
