Chris Paul Sends Lovely Message to Close Friend LeBron James As He Closes In on History

Chris Paul Sends Lovely Message to Close Friend LeBron James As He Closes In on History

Edwin Kiplagat
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:24 PM
  • Phoenix Suns point guard Chris Paul has said he wishes he was present when LeBron James breaks the NBA all-time scoring record
  • Paul and James are close friends but it is unlikely Suns' schedule will allow him to be present
  • James is set to become NBA's all-time scorer next week, breaking Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's record which has stood for nearly 40 years
  • James is 63 points away from making history

LeBron James close friend Phoenix Suns star Chris Paul wishes he could attend the game when the Lakers superstar will break NBA's all-time scoring record.

James has been closing in on Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's record, which has stood for nearly four decades. James is expected to break the record at some point in February 2023.

Chris Paul, NBA, LeBron James, Phoenix Suns, Lakers, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Paul and James have been close friends for years. Photos by Christian Petersen and Ethan Miller.
Source: Getty Images

The four-time NBA champion is 63 points away from passing Abdul-Jabbar's career total of 38,387 which he set on April 5, 1984, eclipsing the late great Wilt Chamberlain.

The four-time NBA MVP is playing in his 20th NBA season and his consistency has been incredible. This season, at 38 years old, he is averaging 30.1 points per game in 42 games.

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Chris Paul's message to James

Phoenix Suns Paul, a 17-year NBA veteran admitted he wants to be there when James breaks the record if the schedule allows it, according to AZ Central.

“I was hoping we weren’t going to have a game on the day he broke the record so I could try to be there. The dates don’t align right now.”

The former Miami Heat star will likely break the record in the next three games which will be against New Orleans Pelicans, Oklahoma City Thunder and Milwaukee Bucks.

Given the Suns will be on a five-game road trip meaning the veteran point guard won't be able to witness history. ESPN projects that James will break the record next week.

Chris Paul, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Lakers
James and Paul were both named in the NBA Top 75 players of all time. Photo by Jim Poorten/NBAE.
Source: Getty Images

Abdul-Jabbar on James breaking the record

Lakers icon and Basketball Hall of Famer Abdul-Jabbar said when James breaks the record, he will congratulate him.

James recently revealed he has no relationship with the 75-year-old who said taking the record bothered Chamberlain. He, however, states thast he doesn't feel that way about the Lakers star.

James on who will break his record

Sports Brief earlier reported on James naming a few players who could surpass his inevitable scoring record.

The Lakers star said Kevin Durant is the most likely player to outdo him because of his versatility on the court. Durant is currently 15 on the all-time scoring list and may climb up before he retires.

He also added that the likes of Luka Doncic, Joel Embiid, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Irving have a chance if they stay healthy.

Authors
Edwin Kiplagat photo
Edwin Kiplagat
Edwin Kiplagat has five years of experience in journalism working as a Sports Editor at Africa Insight Communications and ESPN. Edwin Kiplagat is a Bachelor's Degree holder in journalism from the Multimedia University of Kenya.