LeBron James did it and broke the NBA’s points record. After almost 39 years, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has been replaced as number 1.
Headband record: LeBron James.IMAGO/ZUMA Wire
In front of his Lakers fans in Los Angeles on Tuesday evening (local time) in the third quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder , James passed Abdul-Jabbar’s 38,387 points, after which the game was briefly interrupted. The previous record holder, now 75 years old, who ended his career in 1989, was in the audience himself. James ended the night with 38 points and now has a career total of 38,390. But he couldn’t prevent the 130:133 defeat.
James, who is in his 20th NBA season, started the game 35 points behind Abdul-Jabbar. Like early in his career, James played with a headband against the Thunder. The 38-year-old is now the third oldest active player in the NBA and has won four championships in his career.
“I feel like I’m the best”
APPRECIATION
LeBron James: The record man who doesn’t want to age
“To be able to stand in the presence of such a great legend as Kareem means so much to me,” said James before thanking family, friends and fans: “Without your help, your passion and your sacrifices you have made , to get me to this point, I wouldn’t be myself.”
James is more than 11,500 points ahead of the next best active player currently under contract in the NBA, Kevin Durant of the Brooklyn Nets.
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“Everyone has their favourites, everyone decides for themselves,” said James. “I know what I’ve brought and I feel like I’m the best person to have played this game. But there are so many great players and I’m happy to be a part of it.”
Biden immediately congratulates
US President Joe Biden also immediately congratulated James: “Congratulations LeBron. You inspired the nation to get better. Keep it up!” Biden said in a video message.
“King” James has been playing with the Lakers since 2018. Four years earlier he had returned to the Cleveland Cavaliers, who drafted him first in 2003. He then temporarily moved to Miami in 2010 and won his first two championship titles with the Heat. He got the others with the Cavs (2016) and the Lakers (2020).
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LeBron James is the No. 1: Top points scorer in NBA history