Lebron James becomes NBA’s all-time leading scorer

On February 7, 2023, LeBron James broke Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time scoring record of 38,387 points during a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Los Angeles Lakers star entered the game with 38,352 points, needing 36 to overtake Abdul-Jabbar. He finished the night with 38 points on 13-of-20 shooting (4-of-6 from 3) to go along with 7 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals.

Tonight, I actually felt like I was sitting on top of the arena when that shot went in, and the roar from the crowd. I’m not sure if I would be able to feel that feeling again, unless it’s a game-winning Finals shot.

Lebron James

Read Also: Premier League Clubs Call for Action Against Man City

The game was halted for about 10 minutes while James hugged his family, including his wife, mother and three children, and participated in a brief ceremony with NBA commissioner Adam Silver and Abdul-Jabbar, who watched the game from a baseline seat near the Lakers bench.

NBA’s All-Time scoring list (Top 10)

RANK	PLAYER	PTS	GP	MIN	FGM	FGA	FG%
1	LeBron James	38,390	1,410	53,741	14,053	27,829	50.5
2	Kareem Abdul-Jabbar	38,387	1,560	57,446	15,837	28,307	55.9
3	Karl Malone	36,928	1,476	54,852	13,528	26,210	51.6
4	Kobe Bryant	33,643	1,346	48,643	11,719	26,200	44.7
5	Michael Jordan	32,292	1,072	41,010	12,192	24,537	49.7
6	Dirk Nowitzki	31,560	1,522	51,367	11,169	23,734	47.1
7	Wilt Chamberlain	31,419	1,045	47,859	12,681	23,497	54
8	Shaquille O’Neal	28,596	1,207	41,917	11,330	19,457	58.2
9	Carmelo Anthony	28,289	1,260	43,513	10,119	22,643	44.7
10	Moses Malone	27,409	1,329	45,071	9,435	19,225	49.1

Last month, with the record approaching, James told ESPN, “When I say I’m not a scorer, I say it in a sense of, it’s never been part of my game that defines me. The scoring record was never, ever even thought of in my head because I’ve always been a pass-first guy.”

The four-time champion and four-time MVP continues to add to his résumé, also ranking No. 4 in career assists, No. 9 in steals, No. 32 in rebounds and No. 91 in blocks — all a testament to James’ dominance and longevity, having logged the third-most minutes in league history.

The whole world was watching

Lebron James received praise and congratulatory messages from celebrities