LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers becomes the NBA’s all-time points leader after scoring 38 points against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday night.
James needed 36 points to break Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s record who was at the courtside watching him.
LeBron James has surpassed Kareem Abdul Jabbar’s -long-standing record of 38,387 points, twenty seasons after his debut.
James scored 38 points in a 133-130 loss against the Oklahoma City Thunder, breaking Abdul-1989 Jabbar’s record of 38,387 set in 1989.
Abdul-Jabbar first broke the scoring record in April 1984, eight months before James was born.
According to James “To be able to be in the presence of a legend as great as Kareem, it means so much to me,”.
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In front of a cheering audience that included tennis legend John McEnroe, music superstars Jay-Z, LL Cool J, Usher, and Bad Bunny, boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr., and actor Denzel Washington, Abdul-Jabbar ceremoniously handed over the ball to James to recognize his new record.
The 38-year-old NBA star LeBron James, who needed 36 points to break the record, accomplished it with a fadeaway jumper at the end of the third quarter, and he ended the game with a career total of 38,390 points.
An emotional James raised both arms in delight, while Abdul-Jabbar, 75yrs, stood and applauded.
There was a brief pause in play for a ceremony to commemorate the feat, with James grabbing the microphone and making a speech on the court.
“I want to thank everyone who has been a part of this journey with me over the last 20 years because I wouldn’t be who I am without you.
You were all extremely helpful. Your dedication and sacrifices aided me in reaching this stage,” James stated.
