LeBron James has surpassed Kareem Abdul Jabbar’s 39-year-old record to become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.
James, a 38-year-old Los Angeles Lakers player, surpassed Abdul-Record Jabbar’s 38,387-point total after scoring 38 points in a 133-130 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Eight months before James was born, in April 1984, Abdul-Jabbar first broke the scoring mark.
“To be able to be in the presence of a legend and great as Kareem, it means so much to me,” said James.
With a fadeaway jumper at the end of the third quarter, James, who needed 36 points to break the record, did so. He finished the game with a total of 38,390 points for his career.
An emotional James rose both arms in celebration while 75-year-old Abdul-Jabbar, who was at the match at the Lakers’ home court, stood and applauded.
There was a brief break in play for a ceremony to mark the achievement, with James taking a microphone to make a speech on court.
“A record that has stood for nearly forty years, which Kareem, many people thought would never be broken. Lebron, you are the NBA’s All-Time Scoring Leader. Congratulations!“ – NBA Commisioner, Adam Silver
Analysis
“The King,” LeBron James’ crown, now has a new gem addition.
He has played for his hometown team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Miami Heat, and now the Los Angeles Lakers for the past 20 years, winning a championship with each.
Out of all of his accomplishments, this is his most significant. Although he had already surpassed luminaries like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, some believe that James’ shattering Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s record solidifies his place as the greatest player to have ever lived.
Source – Tru News Report
