Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James became the player with the second most points in NBA history following an impressive performance against the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday night.
Although the Lakers lost the game 113–112 in overtime, James finished with 35 points, 8 rebounds, and 10 assists to become only the second player in NBA history to score 38,000 career points.
Before the game against the 76ers, the 38-year-old needed only 11 points to surpass Lakers legend and NBA all-time leading scorer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
However, it didn’t take him too long to prove his dominance and achieve the record, as he reached the mark halfway through the first quarter with a well-taken jump shot over PJ Tucker.
HISTORY MADE 👑
LeBron James becomes only the second player in NBA history to score 38,000 career points. pic.twitter.com/uqLckZ9LY0
— NBA (@NBA) January 16, 2023
In a career that has spanned across 20 years and three teams, the four-time NBA champion is currently on 38,023 points and is 364 points away from tying Abdul-Jabbar on 38,387.
With the Lakers having played 43 games this season and 39 more to go, the 18-time All-Star is on course to break the record barring any unfortunate injuries.
James is enjoying one of his best seasons in the league since he was selected with the first overall pick in the 2003 draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers, with averages of 29.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 6.9 assists.
Congrats to @KingJames of the @Lakers for becoming the second player in NBA history to score 38,000 career points! pic.twitter.com/JpaJ9GftNe
— NBA (@NBA) January 16, 2023
