08 February 2023 , 08:56
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LeBron James was flooded with support from the NBA world and beyond after creating history on Tuesday night.
LA Lakers superstar James further cemented his legacy as one of basketball's greatest by surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time NBA scoring record.
The evergreen 38-year-old has now overtaken Abdul-Jabbar’s mark of 38,387 points in 160 less games, with the historic moment coming with 10.9 seconds remaining of the third quarter in the Lakers' narrow defeat to Oklahoma City Thunder.
James needed 36 points to break a record that stood for almost four decades, and a trademark jumper from the foul line eclipsed Abdul-Jabbar’s total and left him standing alone in greatness.
In emotional scenes, the game was paused after James' record-breaking shot for a ceremony alongside the legendary Abdul-Jabbar and NBA commissioner Adam Silver.
LeBron James edges closer to NBA scoring record with jaw-dropping Lakers display
"I thank you guys so much for allowing me to be a part of something I've always dreamed about," James said as he was swarmed by cameras after the feat. "I would never in a million years dreamt this to be even better than what it is tonight."
And legends from the NBA's past and present were quick to heap praise on James as they realised the magnitude of such an epic achievement.
James was flooded with praise from NBA greats (Getty Images)"Wow, never in my lifetime did I think I would see two NBA athletes score over 38,000 points!," Lakers legend Magic Johnson said. "I still remember when my Showtime teammate, the legendary Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, broke the record. It was an honor to be the guy to pass it to him and cement his legacy!"
Steph Curry, a fellow NBA great, wrote: "Congrats @KingJames…legendary stuff right there. #38388."
"True Greatness. Incredibly grateful to have witnessed and been a part of your journey. History made," James' former Cleveland Cavaliers teammate Kevin Love added.
The Brooklyn Nets also posted a classy video tribute from star player Kevin Durant. "L, congrats on being the all-time leading scorer in NBA history,' Durant said.
"It's even funny to just even say that, you know coming from where you come from, how hard you grinded for this long. It's been an inspiration since day one. Much love and keep setting the bar high."
And James' record-breaking moment transcended the court as his sponsors Nike posted an emotional tribute remembering his journey to greatness. Celebrities including Kendrick Lamar, Rhianna and Drake also sent James messages of support as the veteran was inundated with praise after his remarkable accomplishment.