Kareem Abdul-Jabbar hands LeBron James the game basketball after James broke the all-time scoring record mid game. (Photo Courtesy ESPN)
On February 7th, 2023, Los Angeles Lakers star forward Lebron James accomplished what most past and present NBA players and fans thought would never happen and broke Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s NBA (National Basketball Association) all-time scoring record. With 38,387 career points, James became the NBA’s All-Time Leading Scorer, a title Abdul-Jabbar previously held since April 5th, 1984.
While many continue to debate his NBA legacy, James shows no signs of slowing down and continues to show his hunger and drive for the game of basketball. James grew up in Akron, Ohio, and was raised by his mother. Against all odds, James has proven time and time again that his name will forever be listed among the greatest to have played the game of basketball.
At sixteen years old, while playing for St. Vincent- St. Mary High School in Akron, Ohio, LeBron James began to gain recognition for his talent on the court. Locals and celebrities went to Ohio to see if all they were hearing was true about this high school basketball player. In 2002, Sports Illustrated put James on their cover with the caption “The Chosen One.” In 2003, the Cleveland Cavaliers had the rights to the number one pick and selected Lebron James. Some sports analysts and many NBA players questioned if James would live up to the hype, but James more than surpassed expectations.
During the 2003-2004 season, James won Rookie of the year and averaged 20.9 points per game. James averaged 31.4 points per game in his third season and led the Cavaliers to the 2007 NBA Finals for the first time ever in his fourth season in the league. He earned back-to-back MVP titles in 2009 and 2010 before leaving for the Miami Heat. While playing for the Miami Heat, James continued to rack up career highs and won two NBA Championships in 2012 and 2013. James won the MVP award in both championship years before returning to the Cavaliers in 2014.
In his second stint in Cleveland, James helped end that franchise’s 52-year title drought and win their first NBA Championship in 2016. With his current team, the Los Angeles Lakers, he won his fourth NBA Championship in 2020 and was selected for his nineteenth All-Star Game this season as an All-Star captain.
In addition to his accomplishments in the NBA, Lebron James played on two US Olympic teams that won Gold Medals. Off the court, recognizing the power of his celebrity, Lebron James is a voice for social justice and through his foundation, provides education and programs for youth.
With no hints of retirement, it is clear LeBron James can and wants to play for even longer than he has. Next season, he could reach 40,000 points, as the debate of if Lebron James or Michael Jordan is the greatest player of all time will continue instead of recognizing and appreciating the level of skill and drive both players have brought to the game of basketball. Last night, Lebron James did not disappoint, and today, he reigns as the NBA’s All-Time Leading Scorer.
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