08 February 2023 , 05:14
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Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is now the all-time leading NBA point scorer, surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s record that stood for 39 years.
James needed just 36 more points heading into Tuesday's clash against Oklahoma City Thunder to overtake Abdul-Jabbar's tally of 38,387 points, and did so in style by reaching the required total inside three quarters. The four-time MVP has now added an unassailable record to his growing NBA legacy, and will now look to break 40,000 before calling time on his career.
It was an emotional night for James, who has been vocal in his frustrations for how the Lakers are performing as a team ever since winning the NBA Championship back in 2020. But as an individual James has been at his very best, and now has the all-time record to prove it.
The Lakers are still battling a negative record this season, but now that James has the record tied up, his focus will be on trying to reach the play-offs. Even with the standards James sets himself, it's a record that he thought would never be broken.
In the build-up to Tuesday's game, James reflected on the upcoming achievement, as he said: "I think it’s one of the greatest records in sports in general. It’s one of those records that you just don’t ever see or think that would be broken."
LeBron James edges closer to NBA scoring record with jaw-dropping Lakers display
But he's done it, and will look to boost his tally by as many points as possible to ensure it remains out of reach throughout history. The debate for who the greatest of all-time continues as James constantly gets compared to Michael Jordan and also Abdul-Jabbar, but his latest accomplishment gives him a huge advantage.
Despite beating the record, James continues to deflect attention away from himself as he prioritises team success. James is desperate to land a fifth NBA title, and was clearly upset this week when the Lakers missed out on securing Kyrie Irving.
LeBron James reacts after scoring and becoming the NBA's all-time leading scorer (Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
LeBron James scores to pass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)The former Brooklyn Nets star requested a trade on Friday, and within two days had agreed to sign for the Dallas Mavericks. Irving and James have starred together once before, and the Lakers star couldn't help speak about his disappointment that they wouldn't be linking up again.
"Definitely disappointed, I can't sit here and say I'm not disappointed at not being able to pick up such a talent, someone I had great chemistry with, who I know I have chemistry with, who can help you win championships," James said. "But my focus has shifted, my focus has shifted back to where it should be, and that's this club now, what we have in the locker room."