Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James passed Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the NBA’s all-time scoring record in the third quarter of Tuesday night’s game versus the Oklahoma City Thunder. James’ mid-range jumper from the elbow with 10.9 seconds to go in the third quarter officially set the new benchmark as the home crowd exalted “The King”.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who held the record for 39 years and was seated courtside in anticipation of James’ record-breaking moment, congratulated the future Hall of Famer on his accomplishment as the game came to a pause. He was joined on the court by James’ wife Savannah, mother Gloria, and children Bryce, Bronny, and Zhuri.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver took the floor to congratulate James as well, announcing LeBron’s record to the sellout crowd before handing James the microphone to address and thank the crowd himself. He would hug a litany of notable people such as Magic Johnson, Jay-Z and many others before play continued.
James, averaging 30 points per game this season, entered the game needing 36 points to break Abdul-Jabbar’s record. He finished the first half with 20, as anticipation built for the capacity crowd at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. James dominated the third quarter, scoring 16 points to help trim the Lakers’ 12-point halftime deficit to just five when he broke the record.
LeBron James also ranks fourth in NBA history in assists and 32nd in rebounds. The 38-year old has four NBA titles to his name – two with the Miami Heat, one with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and one with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Los Angeles trailed Oklahoma City 104-99 when James broke the record with 10.9 seconds to go in the third. The Thunder went on to win in Los Angeles, 133-130. James exited the game in the final minutes nursing what appeared to be an injury to his foot, finishing with 38 points and seven assists. He now sits atop the NBA’s all-time scoring list with 38,390 points and counting.