Sports
LeBron James is 1st player in NBA history to surpass 39000 career … – NBA.com
The NBA's all-time scoring leader reaches his latest milestone as the Lakers go unbeaten in Group Play.
From NBA.com News Services
LeBron James knocks down the triple to become first player in NBA history to surpass 39,000 career points.
Already the NBA’s career scoring leader, LeBron James reached uncharted territory Tuesday night by becoming the only player in NBA history to score 39,000 career points.
James reached the milestone with a 3-pointer in the first quarter of the Los Angeles Lakers’ 131-99 victory over the Utah Jazz. He finished with 17 points in 24 minutes as the Lakers completed an unbeaten run through Group Play in the NBA In-Season Tournament.
“I got congratulated by my teammates and coaches, (but) I haven’t had an opportunity to really wrap my head around what that means,” James said. “There’s been so many great players that came across this league since the beginning of time, and so many great scorers. To be able to accomplish something that’s the first of anything, I think that’s always pretty cool. It’s a wild moment, that’s for sure.”
James continues to play at an elite level in his 21st season, averaging 26.4 points, 8.2 rebounds and 6.5 assists. At his current pace — and assuming good health — James should reach 40,000 points later this season.
In NBA history, only seven players have scored more than 30,000 points: James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (38,387), Karl Malone (36,928), Kobe Bryant (33,643), Michael Jordan (32,292), Dirk Nowitzki (31,560) and Wilt Chamberlain (31,419). Of those seven, five of them — James, Abdul-Jabbar, Malone, Bryant and Chamberlain — spent all or a portion of their career playing for the Lakers.
The next active player who could enter the 30,000-point club is Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant. He surpassed Elvin Hayes for No. 11 on the all-time scoring list on Tuesday and has 27,331 points in his career. He needs 2,669 more points to reach 30,000 in his career.
After Durant, LA Clippers guards James Harden and Russell Westbrook are the next active players with a shot at 30,000 points. Harden has 24,805 points in his career, while Westbrook has 24,615.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
It took almost 4 decades, but the NBA finally has a new all-time scoring champion.
The former 4-time Kia MVP also moved up on the all-time 3-pointers made list in a 125-110 loss to the Kings.
The league’s eldest statesman will be knocking on the door of several historic milestones in 2023-24.
Breaking down the latest results and what to know as Group Play continues Tuesday and Friday.
It took almost 4 decades, but the NBA finally has a new all-time scoring champion.
The former 4-time Kia MVP also moved up on the all-time 3-pointers made list in a 125-110 loss to the Kings.
The league’s eldest statesman will be knocking on the door of several historic milestones in 2023-24.
Breaking down the latest results and what to know as Group Play continues Tuesday and Friday.
The path to the Knockout Rounds is clarifying after a pivotal night of In-Season Tournament action.
RotoWire breaks down the top six players to consider on the waiver wire heading into Week 6 of the NBA season.
Golden State has lost 8 of its last 10 games. A lack of transition offense has played a factor.
Curry on fire, Fox vs. Edwards tonight and scenarios for 10 Tournament games with knockout berths on the line.
James re-emerges in the MVP party, SGA makes a jump while Nikola Jokic maintains his grip on the No. 1 spot.
Following their young forward's lead, Orlando is off to a strong start in pursuit of its 1st playoff appearance since 2020.
If you are having difficulty accessing any content on this website, please visit our Accessibility page.
NBA.com is part of Warner Media, LLC’s Turner Sports & Entertainment Digital Network
