LeBron James’ accomplishments with the Los Angeles Lakers are making history. Regardless of his age, the King hasn’t stalled one bit as he bears the entire load. He hasn’t allowed age to be a barrier to his work. And, with his current pace, he may easily hold the record for most points scored in NBA history.
LeBron recently became the NBA’s third player to reach 36,000 points in his career. The King is on a remarkable scoring streak, hitting 30 points or more in every but one game since December 19th, raising his scoring average to an astonishing 28.9 points per game.
At this rate, he will only need 723 points more to replace Karl Malone and move into second place on the NBA’s all-time scoring chart.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar still holds the top spot, which he has held for nearly 30 years since his retirement in 1989. Kareem’s record stands at 38,387 points, with LeBron behind him by 2,182 points at 36,205.
Kareem, a former Laker, has been a staunch supporter of the Los Angeles Lakers throughout the season. Furthermore, when it comes to his record, the six-time winner has stated that he is open to it being surpassed one day.
LeBron James is currently the only player who comes close. As a result, Kareem informed his teammate Magic Johnson that if LeBron exceeds his record, he will be there to celebrate with him.
“If he can keep up his consistency I’ll gladly be there to congratulate him if and when he breaks the scoring record,” Kareem stated.
Kareem’s record has stood for thirty years. The NBA Hall of Famer is one of the world’s best men in history, and his successful career was nothing short of legendary. At the age of 38, he became the oldest player to earn finals MVP. During his 20-year career, the center earned six championships and six league MVPs.
During his 20-year NBA career, Kareem scored a remarkable 38,387 points. For the most part, the guy averaged 24 points a game throughout his career.
LeBron is currently 723 points behind Karl Malone, who is second in line. With his performance this season, he will certainly take that slot. Can he, however, beat Kareem?
If he can keep up his consistency I’ll gladly be there to congratulate him if and when he breaks the scoring record.
— Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (@kaj33) January 11, 2022
LeBron’s likelihood to exceed Kareem’s record
Consistency, as Kareem correctly pointed out, will be the deciding factor. If LeBron intends to break that record, he must maintain consistent form. With the season nearly halfway over, James is doing well, scoring nearly 29 points per game. As a result, if the King can continue on this path even in the coming season, there is a high possibility LeBron will add to his history by being the league’s leading scorer.
LeBron would undoubtedly benefit much from breaking the record; his longevity is something that virtually no other player has achieved, and if he can take the top spot on this list, it’s difficult to see anybody else surpassing him anytime soon.
He will also be determined to win another two championships, as his pursuit to be labeled the GOAT will most certainly require him to match the number of championships held both by Michael Jordan and Kareem.