LeBron James becomes first NBA player with 40,000 points

Los Angeles Lakers superstar, LeBron James has become the first player in NBA history to score 40,000 career points, accomplishing the milestone on Saturday during the team’s 124-114 loss at home against the Denver Nuggets.

The NBA’s all-time leading scorer notched the historic basket on a left-handed layup with 10:41 left in the second quarter, prompting loud cheers from the fans at Crypto.com Arena.

Both teams continued to play following the historic basket until the Lakers called a timeout over a minute later, leading to a standing ovation from the crowd for James and high-fives from teammates as he made his way to the bench. The Lakers played a video tribute for James to honor the milestone during the timeout.

The 39-year-old has been in uncharted territory since   surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s 38,387 points to become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer last season.

The four-time NBA champion entered the night nine points shy of the 40,000 mark.

The Lakers sport a 33-29 record on the season and sit in 10th place in the Western Conference standings.

Playing in his 21st season, James is averaging  25.3 points, 7.9 assists and 7.1 rebounds per game this season, becoming the first player in league history to be named to 20 NBA All-Star teams. Earlier this season, James helped lead the Lakers to the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament championship title, while earning tournament MVP honors.

Al jezeera/MTO