LeBron James broke the NBA scoring record as he stands alone, surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar who was in attendance at the Crypto.com Arena. Many thought that the record would never be broken, but the 38-year record of 38,387 points is now in the rearview mirror.
LeBron Continues to Defy the Odds
Throughout his career, LeBron has continued to defy the NBA odds, especially being down 3-1 to the Golden State Warriors in the 2016 NBA Finals. With 10.9 seconds left in the third quarter, he continued to defy father time with a fadeaway jumper — not a skyhook ode to Abdul-Jabbar or one of his signature power dunks.
LeBron entered the game needing 36 to pass the record, and he finished the game with 38 points. Additionally, his stat line for the game was quite impressive; he scored 38 points on 13-of-20 shooting (4-of-6 from 3), along with 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals.
To celebrate the moment, the game came to halt as he expressed his gratitude. He went on to say, “Thank you to the Laker faithful. You are one of a kind.” While holding up the game ball, Abdul-Jabbar handed it to James, the ceremonial passing of the torch. Photographs were taken with Silver and then with each other. Many celebrities were also in attendance to witness the moment.
The Los Angeles Lakers are currently struggling this season, but add another moment of history to the record books as the iconic franchise keeps adding to the list. A kid from Akron continues to succeed after being drafted by his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2003 NBA Draft.
Just last week, James jumped to fourth on the all-time assists leaders list. Additionally, he is ninth in the all-time steals category.
What Will the Lakers Do Next?
Despite the fans witnessing history in the Crypto.com Arena, the Oklahoma City Thunder spoiled the moment to a degree. With a 25-30 record, the Lakers are in 13th place with a 133-130 loss to the Thunder last night.
Shai Gilgeous Alexander continues to play well against the Lakers as he scored 30 points in the close victory. With the trading approaching tomorrow, the Lakers need to make a trade to try to sneak into the playoffs.
Despite acquiring Rui Hachimura from the Washington Wizards via trade not too long ago, the team has been unlucky throughout the last several games. The front office was in the race to acquire Kyrie Irving, but the Brooklyn Nets front office went with the Dallas Mavericks package instead.
Trade Deadline is Approaching
Kyrie Irving and Markieff Morris to the Mavs for Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, a 2027 second-round pick, a 2029 first-round pick (unprotected), and a 2029 second-round pick to the Nets. It could end up being a rental, but the Mavs finally pair Luka Doncic with a star, which is another threat to make a title run as LeBron chases for number five.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Lakers, Jazz, and Timberwolves are in the process of finalizing a three-team deal. The Lakers are close to acquiring a familiar face in D’Angelo Russell; numerous pieces will be involved in the deal; most notably parting away with Russell Westbrook.
