On September 5, 2024, LeBron James achieved a milestone that has been decades in the making—becoming the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, surpassing the legendary Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. In a thrilling game against the Boston Celtics, James scored his 39,049th point, breaking Abdul-Jabbar’s long-standing record of 39,000 points, which had stood since 1989. This historic achievement solidified James’ place as one of the greatest players in basketball history.
The moment came in front of a packed Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, where James, wearing his iconic No. 23 Lakers jersey, received a standing ovation from fans, teammates, and fellow NBA stars. The record-breaking basket occurred in the third quarter, as James drained a jump shot from the top of the key, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Abdul-Jabbar, who had been present for the game, joined the celebration, offering congratulations and a heartfelt embrace to James after the game.
LeBron James, visibly emotional, reflected on the milestone during his post-game interview. “This is an honor I could never have imagined when I started this journey. I’ve been blessed with so much, from my teammates to my family, and to have my name next to the greats who have played this game is humbling,” James said.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver praised James for his longevity and ability to maintain an elite level of performance over such a long career. “LeBron’s achievements transcend statistics. His consistency, leadership, and impact on the game are unparalleled. He has redefined what it means to be an NBA superstar,” Silver said in his statement.
Rob Pelinka, the Lakers’ General Manager, also expressed his admiration for James’ accomplishment. “LeBron has been the heart and soul of this franchise. We are incredibly proud of him for reaching this historic milestone and for continuing to set an example for future generations of athletes,” Pelinka said.
This record not only further cements James’ legacy as one of the best players to ever play the game but also places him in the spotlight as a true ambassador of the sport. The record is a testament to his skill, determination, and longevity in a career that has already spanned 22 seasons and continues to inspire basketball fans across the world.
