LeBron James has set another historic record, becoming the first NBA player to score 50,000 total career points. He reached the milestone on Tuesday after draining a three-pointer in the first quarter of the Los Angeles Lakers’ dominant 136-115 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans.
The 40-year-old entered the game needing just one point to hit the unprecedented mark. After making history, he reflected on the achievement.
“It’s a hell of a lot of points,” James said postgame. “I’m super blessed to be able to put that many points up in the best league in the world and with the best players in the world throughout my career. So it’s pretty special.”
A Legacy of Records and Longevity
James, already the NBA’s all-time leading regular-season scorer, surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s record in February 2023. He also holds the all-time playoff scoring record, a title he took from Michael Jordan in 2017.
Now in his 22nd NBA season, James continues to play at an elite level. He was recently named the Western Conference Player of the Month for February, marking his 41st career monthly award. At 40, he became the oldest player ever to win the honor, surpassing Karl Malone, who won it at 37 in 2000.
James has been instrumental in the Lakers’ recent success. Since acquiring Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks in a blockbuster trade for Anthony Davis last month, the team has been in top form. On Tuesday, James and Doncic combined for 64 points and 21 assists.
“He is getting more and more comfortable not only with the team, not only with the sets, but with everything—the fans, LA,” James said of Doncic. “Every day is going to get better for him health-wise because he is getting better with his calf. It’s good for our team.”
Doncic, who suffered a left calf strain on Christmas Day and missed nearly six weeks, appears to be regaining his rhythm.
The Lakers have now won seven straight games and climbed to second place in the Western Conference. James, who has been a leader on both ends of the court, is confident in the team’s trajectory.
“We’re just trying to continue to mesh well offensively and defensively and hold each other accountable,” he said.
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