King. The long-time nickname of LeBron James feels a bit more fitting today, as he became the leading scorer in NBA history. After scoring 38 points in the loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, "King James" extended his career point total to 38,390, breaking the all-time record held by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who was present in the stands. Everyone has their own opinion on whether or not James is the best basketball player in history, but there is no doubt that he holds a place on the NBA's Mount Olympus.
38,388 POINTS
LeBron James hits the fadeaway jumper to become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer! #ScoringKing pic.twitter.com/P5LyTZAZn3
— NBA (@NBA) February 8, 2023
The Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, previously known as the Staples Center, experienced a moment that many thought would never happen. The fans of the purple and gold were witnesses of history when LeBron James score his 38,388th point.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar passes the torch to LeBron James
Abdul-Jabbar came down to the court to congratulate James on the milestone. The new all-time leading scorer in NBA history wanted to thank all those who supported and helped him during his career:
I just want to say thank you to the Laker faithful. You guys are one of a kind. To be able to be in the presence of such a legend and great as Kareem means to much to me. It's very humbling. Please give a standing ovation to the captain, please. To my beautiful wife, my daughter, my two boys, my friends, my boys, my family, my mother, everybody that has ever been part of this run with me the last 20 years, 20-plus years, I just want to say I thank you so much because I would not be me without y'all.
Abdul-Jabbar encouraged James to keep scoring in hopes that this new record will outlast his own:
I've been carrying the torch as record holder for 38 years. I'm excited and relieved to pass it along to the next worthy recipient. LeBron earned it and I hope he carries it even longer than I did.
One photo, 76,777 points.
All time greatness. #ScoringKing pic.twitter.com/EJdWZTQZe6
— NBA (@NBA) February 8, 2023
"Legendary" and "incredible"
The first to congratulate him were the Lakers. "After 39 years, the NBA has a new #ScoringKing," they posted.
After 39 years, the NBA has a new #ScoringKing
Salute, @kingjames. pic.twitter.com/NSJqD1kobN
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 8, 2023
Current NBA stars like James Harden and Stephen Curry, along with retired players such as Paul Pierce and Dirk Nowitzki, were quick to congratulate LeBron James after surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's record.
One of One! Congrats bro @KingJames
— James Harden (@JHarden13) February 8, 2023
Congrats @KingJames …legendary stuff right there 🫡 #38388
— Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) February 8, 2023
Unbelievable!! Congrats @KingJames
— Dirk Nowitzki (@swish41) February 8, 2023
Honor to say I had a chance to match up with The GaoT I’ve alway never acknowledged u as King but u Truly the King #lRespect no player in NBA History had the pressure coming in the league to exceed expectations not only have u live up to it but u have surpassed it #allhailtheKing
— Paul Pierce (@paulpierce34) February 8, 2023
Congratulations @KingJames job well done. My boy @IamBlackway had this waiting for you pic.twitter.com/y8ju7fFHeM
— SHAQ (@SHAQ) February 8, 2023
One of the best players that basketball ever gave us was Magic Johnson, who never imagined that anyone would beat Abdul-Jabbar:
Wow, never in my lifetime did I think I would see two NBA athletes score over 38,000 points! 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!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) February 8, 2023
The Cleveland Cavaliers, for whom LeBron James played from 2003 to 2010 and from 2014 to 2018, also congratulated their former player:
Congratulations to @KingJames on making history, surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the @NBA’s all-time scoring leader.✨ #ScoringKing pic.twitter.com/UITgB9fHXR
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) February 8, 2023
