LOS ANGELES – LeBron James Tuesday evening became the NBA’s career scoring leader when he sank a 21-foot shot with 10.9 seconds left in the third quarter of the Los Angeles Lakers game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Crypto.com Arena.
The basket increased James’ career total to 38,388 points in 1,410 games over 20 seasons. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who held the record since 1984, scored 38,387 points in 1,560 games over 20 seasons.
The game was stopped after James set the record, with Abdul-Jabbar handing James a basketball to symbolize the passing of the torch. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver praised James.
After 39 years, the NBA has a new #ScoringKing
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 8, 2023
Salute, @kingjames. pic.twitter.com/NSJqD1kobN
James entered the game needing 36 points to set the record.