NBA: LeBron James becomes All-Time Leading Scorer

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer on Tuesday, setting the new mark with a fadeaway jump-shot late in the third quarter of a home game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

James, who entered the game needing 36 points to break Abdul-Jabbar’s record of 38,387, sent the sold-out crowd into a frenzy when the shot splashed through the net to write his name into the history books. Play was stopped to recognise the achievement and to let James address the crowd.

“I just want to say thank you to the Laker faithful, you guys are one of a kind,” James said.

“To be able to be in the presence of such a legend as Kareem is unbelievable, it’s very humbling. Please give a standing ovation to ‘The Captain.'”

• Read more: LeBron Chasing Wins And Not Record

Lakers legend Abdul-Jabbar, who took the title from Wilt Chamberlain with his signature skyhook on April 5, 1984, sat courtside at Tuesday’s game.

20 seasons.
1,410 games.
38,388 points.

One #ScoringKing pic.twitter.com/Z8gxCnBET5

— NBA (@NBA) February 8, 2023