The name LeBron James has always been a part of basketball conversations and debates, but now, more than ever, not only will it be a part of conversations but of a record. On February 7th, 2023, LeBron James made history, passing NBA all-time leading scorer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. This is not an easy task, given that Jabbar’s record is 38,387 points, and it took almost four decades for someone to surpass it.
On February 7th, the Lakers played the Thunder at Crypto.com Arena. The arena erupted into screams and chants as James added another accomplishment to his already well-established legacy. With 38 points that night, James became the NBA All-Time Scoring Champion with 38,390 points.
Kenrich Williams, a forward for the Oklahoma City Thunder, guarded James and tried to delay a record-breaking moment, but it was not enough. With 10.3 seconds left in the 3rd quarter, James executed one of his career’s most essential fadeaway jump shots. Once the orange sphere went in the hoop, James made history and a memorable night for basketball fans everywhere.
“I knew that orange sphere was something that I always wanted to be a part of my journey…A $20 Little Tikes hoop could turn into what it’s turned into today,” James said at a pregame ceremony two days after his historic night.
Before James wrote his name in the history books, there was a fan video on social media asking James if he would cry if he broke the NBA’s all-time scoring record, and he said no. James said he would only get emotional if he won another championship. However, that was not the case. After he hugged his family and before he gave a speech, you could see James trying to wipe away some tears. He tried to remain professional and then said, “to my beautiful wife, my daughter, my two boys… everybody that's been a part of this ride with me for the last 20-plus years, I just wanted to say thank you so much, because I wouldn't be me without y'all.”
James is not only number one for scoring but is in the top percentile for multiple things. He is in the top 10 for assists, free throws, points per game, triple-doubles, three-point goals, and steals. And while some would think his age could be getting the best of him, it is the opposite for James. As years have progressed, his percentage of successful shots has as well. Comparing stats from 2003-2004, James’s debut, and 2021-2022, his successful shot percentage increased from 42% to 52%. James has also been able to compete against nine father-son duos. His stats show his apparent skills in not one but many areas of the game.
LeBron James continues to add to his long list of trophies. Players everywhere recognize him for the powerhouse that he is. Joe Dumars, two-time NBA champion, said, “once every 100 years, you see a guy like that…I think becoming the all-time leading scorer will solidify him on the Mount Rushmore in America. Whoever those other three guys are, LeBron’s one of them.”As he continues to write history, there are more and more accomplishments to support him in the debate of where he falls in being the best player of all time.
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