LeBron James edges closer to NBA scoring record with jaw-dropping Lakers display

01 February 2023 , 11:08

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LeBron James is closing in on Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's historic points total and is just 89 behind (Image: Getty Images)

NBA hero LeBron James has edged closer to a historic points record held by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar during for his entire lifetime.

The Los Angeles Lakers star put on scintillating display as he scored 28 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds in his side's 129-123 overtime win against New York Knicks. The 38-year-old is averaging 33.7 points per game and is expected to break the record this season.

James began his NBA career in the 2003 Draft and played his first game that October. He is still shooting hoops 19 years later and despite closing in on the points record the basketball star doesn't see himself as a points scorer.

He told ESPN : "I mean, I know how to put the ball in the hole. When I say I'm not a scorer, I say it in a sense of, it's never been the part of my game that defines me.

"But there's an argument to it. When you look at how long this record has stood and the great Kareem, being able to accomplish something like that. But it won't be for me to discuss because I've never felt that way."

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James recently became the first ever player to score 40 points against all 30 teams in the league. The four-time NBA champion is currently part of an LA Lakers side which sit 13th in the Eastern division with a record of 24-28.

LeBron James heads for the net during the LA Lakers' victory against New York Knicks (Getty Images)

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After missing the play-offs during two of his four seasons with the Lakers the star is more concerned about his side's form rather than chasing the points record.

He added: "I want to win. The losing is not sitting well with me. I don't like having accomplishments, and it don't feel right, when it comes in a losing effort.

"We've been playing some good basketball as of late, but we want to and I want to win at the highest level. Breaking records or setting records or passing greats in a losing effort has never been a DNA of mine."

LeBron James says his goal is to win basketball matches not to chase the points record (Getty Images)

James, who has two more years remaining on his Lakers contract, sat out the final five matches of last season to recover from an ankle injury after his side's play-off chances were over.

"Me being out on the floor, trying to get the scoring in games that don't matter, it felt so corny to me," added James. "So, I was like, I'm not even going to play."

Benjamin Goddard