LOS ANGELES — LeBron James reached 40,000 points Saturday night, still going strong in his 21st NBA season as he tries to put the career scoring record out of reach.
James drove past Michael Porter Jr. and hit a layup with 10:39 left in the second quarter of the Los Angeles Lakers’ game against the Denver Nuggets for the historic basket.
James received a standing ovation at the next timeout, while coach Darvin Ham gave him a congratulatory pat on the chest. There was an in-arena video presentation, which was preceded and followed by James raising the ball over his head.
James shot an airball on his first attempt of the night but responded by getting out in transition for a layup for his first points and prompting the Nuggets to use their first timeout. He then made a corner 3-pointer before subbing out with 3:19 left in the first quarter.
James checked back in to start the second quarter, attacking the basket 14 seconds into the period to set up the milestone score.
James passed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s mark of 38,387 points to become the league’s leading scorer on Feb. 7, 2023, against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He reached 39,000 points on Nov. 21 in an In-Season Tournament game against the Utah Jazz.
Ham was a young fan when Abdul-Jabbar was finishing out his career and assumed the record would never be challenged, let alone surpassed in the way James has.
“But here we are,” Ham said before the game. “It’s a testament to Bron, just the time and resources he spends on himself, making sure not only he is healthy but he’s healthy at a high level.”
James, 39, has also played the second-most regular season and most playoff minutes in league history. He is the only NBA player with at least 10,000 points, 10,000 rebounds and 10,000 assists.
Nuggets coach Michael Malone spent five seasons with James as an assistant coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2005-10 and remains in awe of how he is able to still play at such a high level.
“I don’t get caught up in the number per se, but you just have to marvel at the continued greatness,” Malone said.
“Just to do what he’s doing at this stage of his career, and it doesn’t appear like he’s slowing down at all, which is even scarier. Really, when you take a step back, you just have to marvel at the longevity. But he’s just not playing at this. He is playing effectively.”
___
AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba
LeBron James, widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, has once again made history by becoming the youngest player in NBA history to reach 40,000 career points. The 37-year-old Los Angeles Lakers star achieved this milestone during a game against the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday night, further solidifying his legacy as a scoring machine.
James, who entered the league in 2003 as the first overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers, has consistently been a dominant force on the court throughout his career. Known for his versatility, athleticism, and basketball IQ, he has been able to score at will from all areas of the court, whether it be driving to the basket, shooting from long range, or posting up in the paint.
Reaching 40,000 career points is no small feat, and it is a testament to James’ dedication to his craft and his relentless pursuit of excellence. He joins an elite group of players who have achieved this milestone, including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone, Kobe Bryant, and Michael Jordan.
In addition to his scoring prowess, James has also excelled in other areas of the game, such as rebounding, passing, and defense. He is a four-time NBA champion, a four-time NBA Most Valuable Player, and a 17-time All-Star. His impact on the game of basketball goes far beyond just scoring points, as he has also been a vocal advocate for social justice issues and has used his platform to speak out on important issues.
As he continues to add to his already impressive resume, LeBron James shows no signs of slowing down. His dedication to the game and his commitment to excellence serve as an inspiration to aspiring basketball players around the world. With each milestone he achieves, he cements his status as one of the greatest players to ever play the game of basketball.
In conclusion, LeBron James’ latest accomplishment of reaching 40,000 career points is a testament to his greatness and his enduring impact on the sport of basketball. As fans and analysts alike marvel at his scoring prowess, it is clear that we are witnessing a once-in-a-generation talent who will be remembered for years to come.
