LeBron James breaks NBA all-time scoring record as Los Angeles Lakers lose to Oklahoma City - 'It means so much to me'
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Updated 08/02/2023 at 08:35 GMT
It was a famous night for LeBron James and the entire basketball world as the 38-year-old legend broke the NBA's all-time scoring record. Not only that, but the great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was present to hand James the now-historic ball in a ceremonial moment that will not be forgotten. "To be able to be in the presence of a legend as great as Kareem, it means so much to me," James said.
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Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has once again written his name into the record books as he became the NBA's all-time leading scorer on Tuesday.
The 38-year-old basketball icon racked up 38 points in what ended up being a famous night - despite the Oklahoma City Thunder defeating the Lakers 133-130.
The real story of the night was the fact that James surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's 39-year-old record with the mark having been 38,387. James ended a memorable evening with a staggering career total of 38,390.
Abdul-Jabbar broke the scoring record himself back in April 1984, and in a classy gesture, the 75-year-old was present to hand the game ball over to James in a moment to remember for both legends and basketball fans around the world.
James, who is a four-time NBA champion and is playing in his 20th season, required 36 points on the night in order to make history, and he did so with a classic fade-away jump shot to finish off the third quarter.
"To be able to be in the presence of a legend as great as Kareem, it means so much to me," James said with the game temporarily halted as the achievement was recognised by everyone in the arena.
"Everybody that has ever been a part of this run with me the last 20-plus years, I want to say thank you so much because I wouldn't be me without all of you.
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LeBron James and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Image credit: Getty Images
"You all helped. Your passion and sacrifices helped me to get to this point.
"To the NBA, to Adam Silver, to the late, great David Stern, thank you very much for allowing me to be a part of something I always dreamed about.
"I would never in a million years dreamt this to be even better than what it is tonight."
Abdul-Jabbar, after ceremoniously handing the ball to James, added: "I thought it had every chance of being broken.
"It just had to have someone that the offense focused on continually.
"LeBron's career is one of someone who planned to dominate this game. You have to give him credit for just the way he played and for the way he's lasted and dominated."
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