Los Angeles Lakers star, LeBron James, has broken the all-time NBA scoring record, surpassing basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
The feat arrived in a 133-130 home defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder on February 8, in which James scored 38 points to shatter Kareem Abdul-Jabber’s record of 38,387.
The arena erupted in the third quarter as James hit a fadeaway jumper to achieve the record, taking his career total to 38,388 points.
James stood with both arms raised, letting out an emphatic roar of celebration, as 75-year-old Kareem Abdul-Jabbar watched on, applauding the achievement.
The game was paused for 10 minutes to recognise the remarkable feat.
James gave an emotional speech to the Lakers crowd.
“Everybody that has ever been a part of this run with me the last 20-plus years, I want to say thank you so much because I wouldn’t be me without all you. You all helped. Your passion and sacrifices helped me to get to this point,” James said.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar joined LeBron James on the court to congratulate him, passing him the ball to commemorate the achievement.
He said, “LeBron’s career is one of someone who planned to dominate this game. You have to give him credit for just the way he played and for the way he’s lasted and dominated.”
The former Lakers legend set the scoring record in April 1984, nearly four decades ago.
Reaction from around the NBA quickly started to pour in, including tweets from players such as Steph Curry and James’ former teammate Dwyane Wade.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver released a statement congratulating James on his achievement.
He said, “Congratulations to LeBron on breaking one of the most hallowed records in all of sports by becoming the NBA’s all-time scoring leader. It’s a towering achievement that speaks to his sustained excellence over 20 seasons in the league”.
Following the game, LeBron James gave his reaction following the historic moment.
“Tonight it felt like I was sat on top of the arena”, James said.
“When that shot went in and the roar from the crowd, I’m not sure I’ll be able to have that feeling again”.
The incredible career of LeBron James
20 years on from his NBA debut in 2003, the 38-year-old has gone on to win four NBA titles with the LA Lakers, Cleveland Cavaliers and the Miami Heat.
James is also only one of two players to win four MVP awards, as well as four NBA finals MVP awards, sharing this feat with Chicago Bulls icon Michael Jordan.
When asked about his status as the greatest player in NBA history, James stated, “I’ll let everybody else decide who that is or just talk about it”.
“I’m going to take myself against anybody who’s ever played this game”.
With LeBron averaging an impressive 30 points per game this season at 38 years old, he certainly doesn’t look like he’ll be slowing down any time soon.
Featured Image Credit: NBA
I'm Matthew Burns, a third year journalism student.
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