The king did it! Broke Abdul Jabbar's 34-year-old NBA scoring record
LeBron James became the leading scorer in the history of the National Basketball Association (NBA) after scoring 38 points in the Los Angeles Lakers' 130-133 loss to Oklahoma at home at Staples Center. Thus, the King overtook the legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (38,387 points) in the all-time ranking.
The Lakers star scored his 38,388th point about a minute into the third quarter on a pull-back shot. Immediately after, the game was temporarily suspended and a solemn ceremony took place on the floor, during which the King received from Abdul-Jabbar the ball with which he scored. With this gesture, the baton was passed.
James was joined on the court by his loved ones, including his mother, wife and children, and cheered on from the stands by a number of NBA legends, sports stars such as Floyd Mayweather, John McEnroe, rapper Jay-Z and many other celebrities. LeBron and Abdul-Jaber posed with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and then together. James broke into tears and then turned to the audience.
"Please stand up for this legend Kareem, thank you for everything. I want to thank my wife, my daughter, my two boys, my mother and all my friends, the Lakers and everyone in the League, for your sacrifices and support," James said, and the NBA recalled his "Strive for Greatness" motto.
After the break, the Lakers were never able to get a good run in the game, although they briefly tied the game. By the end of the match, James scored only two points and did not play the last minute due to ankle pain. It was LA's 30th loss in 55 games on the season, a tally that tied them for 13th in the Western Conference. Oklahoma City is 26:28 and is 11th.
Abdul-Jabbar became the regular season scoring leader on April 5, 1984, and retired in 1989 with 38,387 points. Over the years, several stars have come close to his record. Karl Malone finished just 1,459 points behind him. Kobe Bryant - at 4,744, Michael Jordan - at 6,095. LeBron surpassed everyone, and is already ahead of Abdul-Jabbar. He enters his 20th season at the top of the leaderboard, as has the Lakers legend.
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